A Voyage Round the World In the Years MDCCXL I II III IV by George Anson Esq; Afterwards Lord Anson Commander in Chief of a Squadron of His Majesty's Ships sent upon an Expedition to the South-Seas. Compiled ... by R. Walter. ...

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

London: Printed for W. Bowyer and J. Nichols a.o. 1776. 4to. Orig. full tree calf with gilt tooled borders on both front & rear covers. Spine skilfully rebacked and with the orig. gilt spine strip remounted. (xx 418pp.). Complete with 42 folding copper-engraved plates maps plans and charts (incl. several over 35 inches wide). Bookplate on front endpaper. Some negligible foxing otherwise an exceptionally good copy. NOTE: "This compilation has long occupied a distinguished position as a masterpiece of descriptive travel" (Hill Collection I 318). This famous and unfortunate expedition consisting at the start of eight ships was sent under the command of George Anson at the beginning of the war with Spain to harass the Spaniards on the western coast of South America. Seven ships were lost around Cape Horn and on the coast of Chile and out of 900 men 600 perished. The primary object of the expedition was not attained but by the capture of the Manila Galleon near China Anson and the surviving members of his crew reached England much the richer. This account by Chaplain Walter is the official one.