"COOK DID MORE TO CLARIFY THE GEOGRAPHICAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE THAN ALL HIS PREDECESSORS"
COOK, James. The Voyages of Captain James Cook. London: William Smith, 1842. Two volumes. Octavo, contemporary three-quarter brown calf gilt, raised bands, black and tan morocco spine labels.
1842 Smith edition of Cook's famous voyages, with engraved title, frontispiece portrait, four maps (two double-page) and numerous in-text illustrations.
In the course of his three voyages, Cook rediscovered and charted New Zealand, discovered and charted the east coast of Australia, became the first to cross the Antarctic Circle, thereby disproving the existence of an alleged "Great Southern Continent," charted the American west coast from northern California through the Bering Strait, and discovered the Hawaiian Islands. "By carrying away a collection of furs, Cook introduced the fur trade to the English and American traders, whose subsequent expeditions were based upon his discoveries" (Eberstadt 127: 353). "In three great voyages Cook did more to clarify the geographical knowledge of the southern hemisphere than all his predecessors had done together. He was the first really scientific navigator and his voyages made great contributions to many fields of knowledge" (Hill, 61, 139). This edition transcribed from the edition authorized by the Admiralty. Beddie 142. Bookplates.
Text fine, plates and maps mildly foxed. Contemporary calf quite handsome. An excellent copy.