A Journal of a Voyage to the South Seas, in His Majesty's Ship, The Endeavour. Faithfully transcribed from the Papers of the late Sydney Parkinson, Draughtsman to Joseph Banks, Esq. on his late Expedition, with Dr Solander, round the World. First Edition

This is a rare or used book from the Berkelouw Rare Books Department.

London: Printed for Stanfield Parkinson, the Editor, 1773. Large 4to. Contemp. full calf, skilfully re-spined to match with contrasting morocco titling-label. Minor blemish on lower front cover where the leather has been excised, not affecting the binding. (xxiv, 22, 212, 2 pp.). Embellished with engrv. portrait, and 27 full-page engrv. plates. A particularly fine complete copy with only minimal offsetting of the plates. Holmes 7; Beddie 712. NOTE: This book is often referred to as 'the handsomest voyage book of the 18th century', its importance to Australia's discovery cannot be overstated as Parkinson had been engaged by Sir Joseph Banks as natural history artist on Cook's celebrated first voyage in The Endeavour. He was the first natural history artist to set foot on Australian soil, and his journal records the first published use of the word Kangooroo (as "Kangaroo" pp.149).