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FRANKLIN, Sir John (1786-1847). Narrative of a Journey to the Shores of the Polar Sea, in the Years 1819, 20, 21, and 22. London: John Murray, 1823. [And:] ibid. Narrative of a Second Expedition to the Shores of the Polar Sea, in the Years 1825, 1826, and 1827… London: John Murray, 1828. 4tos. Both volumes illustrated with all plates and folding maps called for - second title with 9 additional folding maps and 4 folding elevation views not called-for in text; several plates hand-colored. [xvi], [1]-[784]; xxiv, [1]-320, [i]-[clx] pp. Errata in volume II. Approximately 10 ½ x 8 ¼". Uniformly bound in modern plain brown buckram, spines lettered in gilt (some rubbing, soiling to bindings, text a bit toned, occasional foxing, thumbsoiling, some wear to folding maps with some tears). Very good. FIRST EDITIONS OF THE OFFICIAL ACCOUNTS OF FRANKLIN'S TWO EXPEDITIONS INTO THE CANADIAN ARCTIC. "[The first] journey was made to the mouth of the Coppermine River, largely overland and with the aid of canoes. The coast east of the mouth was surveyed. It is one of the most terrible journeys on record, many of the party dying from cold, hunger, or murder. The distance travelled was some 5,500 miles, and Franklin's narrative at once became a classic of travel literature. Franklin's second overland expedition made its departure from Fort Franklin on the Great Bear Lake. He traced the North American coast from the Mackenzie River to longitude 149deg 37' W., while John Richardson's party explored the coast between the mouths of the Mackenzie and the Coppermine. The two expeditions together added 1,200 miles of coast line to the knowledge of the American continent, and Franklin received several honours and became a popular hero. The views of the Arctic scenery in this work are noted for their beauty" (Hill). Hill Collection of Pacific Voyages 635, 636. Arctic Bibliography 5194, 5198.