BURNEY'S HISTORY OF THE SEARCH FOR A NORTHEAST PASSAGE, WITH HIS FIRSTHAND ACCOUNT OF COOK'S LAST VOYAGE

BURNEY, James. A Chronological History of North-Eastern Voyages of Discovery; and of the Early Eastern Navigations of the Russians. London: Payne and Foss, and John Murray, 1819. Octavo, modern three-quarter russet morocco, black morocco spine label, marbled boards. $6000.

First edition of Burney's classic work, giving a firsthand account of Cook's last voyage, with two folding maps.

James Burney "sailed with Captain Cook in his second voyage, 1772-4… In 1775 he was in the Cerberus on the North American station, and was recalled to sail again under Cook in his third voyage. Consequent on the deaths of Cook and Clerke, he came home in command of the Discovery" (DNB). "Pages 202-270 contain an account of Cook's third voyage which includes some intimate details not to be found elsewhere" (Holmes, 82). This compilation also contains Burney's "important researches" on the maritime discoveries of the Russians, including Bering and Chirikov, and recounts English, Dutch, and Danish voyages in search of a northeast passage as well (Hill, 41). With two folding maps, a chart of the north coast of Asia and a smaller one of the White Sea. Cox II, 497. Howes, B1001. Holmes, 82. Inkstamp of the Missouri Historical Society (overstamped "Discard").

Occasional light foxing to text, maps clean, binding attractive and fine.