John Meares Paintings & Artwork for Sale | John Meares Art Value Price Guide

Jul. 18, 2024
Voyages.- Meares (John) Voyages Made in the Years 1788 and 1789, From China to the North West Coast of America..., first edition, Printed at the Logographic Press, 1790.
Est: £3,000 - £4,000
Voyages.- Meares (John) Voyages Made in the Years 1788 and 1789, From China to the North West Coast of America. To which are Prefixed...A Voyage Performed in 1786, from Bengal, first edition, portrait frontispiece, 10 engraved maps and charts, of which 3 folding, 16 engraved or aquatint plates only (of 17, lacking the Philippines plate as often), several double-page or folding, list of subscribers, folding maps and plates mounted on stubs, one folding chart with a few tears to folds repaired (very small portion of loss) and silked to verso, another with very small hole and neat tape repair along central fold, final f. of Appendix with tear affecting some letters and marginal paper repair, offsetting, some spotting and light foxing, the odd patch of light soiling, but generally good, contemporary half calf, rebacked preserving original backstrip, rubbed and little soiled, upper joint split at head but firm, [Abbey, Travel 594; Hill 1126; Sabin 47260], 4to, Printed at the Logographic Press, 1790. *** "This important narrative...gives a very full account of the Indian nations of Northwest America, describing their villages, languages, manners and customs" (Hill). Meares engaged in fur-trading in the Pacific North-West and established a base at Nootka Sound. It was his claim to the land here that led to the Nootka controversy and almost full-scale war between Britain and Spain.
Forum Auctions - UK
Jan. 31, 2024
MEARES (John).
Est: €1,500 - €1,800
MEARES (John). Voyages made in the years 1788 and 1789, from China to the north west coast of America. London, Logographic press, 1790. Fort volume grand in-4, VIII p., [6] f. (souscripteurs, table), XCV-372 p., [53] f. (tables et un appendice), demi-maroquin rouge à coins moderne, dos à nerfs saillants, auteur et titre dorés, tête dorée, non rogné (frott. leg. sur les nerfs, coupes, et coins, rousseurs, dont sur qq. planches, tache d’encre claire sur une pl., transferts de qq. pl. sur le texte en regard ; une planche en déficit). Edition originale de ce récit d’une grande importance dans l’exploration de l’Amérique du Nord, qui apporte en particulier de précieuses information sur les nations indiennes. Illustré d’un portrait frontispice de l’auteur, gravé par C. Bestland d’après W. Beechey ; 10 cartes et plans, dont 3 dépliants illustrant les côtes américaines et asiatiques explorées par le capitaine Cook (1778-1779) et approfondies par John Meares (1788-1789), ainsi que plusieurs ports et îles tels que Port Cox, Port Effingham, Port Meares… également de 16 (sur 17) planches, dont 7 dépliantes ou doubles pages, d’après Meares, T.S. Parry, T. Stothard et C. Metz. Elles montrent des vues des îles Philippines, de la ville de Macao, des îles Sandwich (dont une île nouvellement découverte), des portraits des chefs de Nootka Sound et d’un indigène d’Onryhee, l’une des îles Sandwich. Liste détaillée des planches sur demande. (Sabin 47260).
Gros-Delettrez
Dec. 15, 2023
Meares, John - Voyages from China to the North-West Coast of America made in the years 1788 and 1789 by Captain G. Meares. Second corrected and enlarged Italian edition of an extract from Milord Mackartney's travels.
Est: €800 - €1,000
Enriched with historical-scientific notes of views, seascapes, portraits, geographical maps, etc. Naples, Giuseppe Policarpo Merande and Luigi Coltellini, 1796. 8th, vols. 4, pp. 4-261; 238; 210 (badly numbered) 220; 252 with 20 plates engraved on copper, some folded, including the large "Map of the North Pacific Sea which includes the North-East Coast of Asia and the North-West Coast of America engraved on copper by Benedetto Cimarelli. Small restorations in the margin of some pages and some marginal stains. Coeval leather binding, gold title on the spine. Second Italian edition, corrected and enlarged, coeval with the Milanese edition by Pagani.
Finarte
Mar. 30, 2023
Meares (John) Voyages Made in the Years 1788 and 1789, From China to the North West Coast of America, first edition, Printed at the Logographic Press, 1790.
Est: £2,000 - £3,000
Meares (John) Voyages Made in the Years 1788 and 1789, From China to the North West Coast of America. To which are Prefixed...A Voyage Performed in 1786, from Bengal, first edition, engraved portrait frontispiece, 17 engraved or aquatint plates, many folding and neatly mounted on stubs, 10 engraved maps and charts, list of subscribers, book-label of Carl Wendell Carlsmith to front free endpaper, 1 folding map with small hole to central fold, printing flaw to p.169 affecting text, offsetting, some light foxing or browning, contemporary marbled calf, rebacked, preserving original gilt backstrip, new spine label, corners repaired, rubbed, endpapers renewed, [Sabin 47260; Hill 1126; Abbey, Travel 594], large 4to, Printed at the Logographic Press, 1790.
Forum Auctions - UK
Jun. 15, 2017
Meares, John
Est: €600 - €800
Collection de cartes géographiques, vues, marines, plans et portraits, relatifs aux voyages du Capitaine J. Meares Parigi, F. Buisson, s.d. [ma 1795]. In 4°. Solo il volume di tavole. Con 27 (di 28) tavole incise in rame, incluso il ritratto a piena pagina dell'autore, molte delle quali ripiegate, mancante la tavola XX, qualche macchia e fioritura leggera, lievi strappi ai margini di qualche carta, legatura originale in mezzo vitello, dorso a 5 nervi, ai comparti tassello rosso con titolo e fregi, il tutto impresso in oro, piccoli difetti. 1795 Edizione originale della sola parte dell'atlante. Meares fu un navigatore inglese (1756 circa - 1809) che esplorò la regione intorno alla Baia del Principe Guglielmo (Alasca, 1786-87). Fu poi sulle coste canadesi, dove una piccola isola porta ancora il suo nome, stabilendo rapporti commerciali. Forbes 238; Sabin 47262. 1
Finarte Roma
Sep. 20, 2016
MEARES, JOHN. 1756?-1809. Voyages Made in the Years 1788 and 1789, from China to the N.W. Coast of America ... to Which Are Annexed, Observations on the Probably Existence of a North West Passage. And Some Accountof the Trade between the North West
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
MEARES, JOHN. 1756?-1809. Voyages Made in the Years 1788 and 1789, from China to the N.W. Coast of America ... to Which Are Annexed, Observations on the Probably Existence of a North West Passage. And Some Accountof the Trade between the North West Coast of America and China; and the Latter Country and Great Britain. London: Printed at the Logographic Press, 1791. 2 volumes. 8vo (234 x 150 mm). xii, lxxii, 363; [iv], 332, [63] pp. Stipple-engraved frontispiece portrait of Meares, 9 engraved folding maps and plans, 4 engraved plates, 2 of which are folding, 3 with aquatint. Original paper-backed boards. Uncut, some toning and occasional light foxing, offset from plates, 2 leaves in 2nd volume with closed tear, spines perished, tape residue to boards near spine. Provenance: Allen L. Chickering (bookplate). FIRST OCTAVO EDITION. "One of the early and fundamental books on the Northwest coast of America in general and on Alaska in particular" (Lada-Mocarski). Meares' pioneering voyages to the Northwest coast provided the basis for Britain's claims to Oregon. The treaty which followed the seizure of Meares' ships in Nootka Sound required Spain's forfeiture of claims to territory north of California. Includes a full account of the Northwest American Indians describing their villages, languages, manners and customs. Abbey Travel 594 (note); Forbes 212; Graff 2734 (first edition); Hill pp.195-6 (first edition); Howes M 469; Lada-Mocarski 46 (first edition); Sabin 47261.
Bonhams
Apr. 13, 2015
MEARES, JOHN. 1756?-1809. Voyages Made in the Years 1788 and 178
Est: -
MEARES, JOHN. 1756?-1809. Voyages Made in the Years 1788 and 1789, from China to the North West Coast of America. To which are Prefixed, an Introductory Narrative of a Voyage Performed in 1786, from Bengal, in the Ship Nootka; Observations on the Probable Existence of a North West Passage; and Some Account of the Trade between the North West Coast of America and China; and the Latter Country and Great Britain. London: printed at the Logographic Press and sold by J. Walter, 1790.
Bonhams
Nov. 25, 2014
MEARES, John (c.1756-1809). Voyages made in the years 1788 and 1789, from
Est: £1,500 - £2,500
MEARES, John (c.1756-1809). Voyages made in the years 1788 and 1789, from
Christie's
Jun. 25, 2013
MEARES, JOHN. 1756?-1809.
Est: $700 - $1,000
1. Viaggi dalla China alla Costa Nord-Ouest d'America fatti negli anni 1788 e 1789. Florence: Giovacchino Pagani, 1796. 4 volumes. 8vo (173 x 114 mm). x, 264; xv, 212; x, 238; [4], viii, 276 pp. Large engraved folding map hand-colored in outline, 21 (of 22) engraved plates. Period quarter calf, morocco spine labels, spines ruled in gilt. Scattered foxing affecting a few plates, short tears to folds of map, some rubbing and tiny chips to bindings. FIRST? ITALIAN EDITION. An edition was published in Naples in the same year, but no priority has been established. Howes M469; Sabin 47263. 2. Tvänne resor från Ostindien till Americas nordvästra kust. Stockholm: I. Utter, 1797. 8vo (168 x 100 mm). [12], 404 pp. Period calf-backed marbled boards. Foxing, mild wear to binding. FIRST SWEDISH EDITION. Abridged. Rare. Howes M469; Sabin 47265. 3. Collection de cartes geographiques. Paris: F. Buisson, An 3e de la Republique [1794/5]. 4to (308 x 219 mm). Title, list of plates, and 28 engraved plates and maps (several folding). Modern boards. Foxing and toning to several plates. Atlas volume only to the first French edition. Howes M469; Sabin 47262.
Bonhams
Jun. 25, 2013
MEARES, JOHN. 1756?-1809.
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Voyages de la Chine à la côte nord-ouest d'Amérique, faits dans les années 1788 et 1789. Paris: F. Buisson, An 3e [1794/5]. 3 volumes + atlas. 8vo (196 x 116 mm) and 4to (277 x 205 mm). xxiv, 391; [4], 386; [4], 371, [1] pp. Half-titles. Atlas: title, list of plates, and 28 engraved views, maps, plans, and portraits. Period speckled calf, spines elaborately gilt, atlas bound in differing design. Rubbing to spine of atlas, some wear to fore-edge of same, a fine copy overall. FIRST FRENCH EDITION. Meares' pioneering voyages to the Northwest coast provided the basis for Britain's claims to Oregon. The treaty which followed the seizure of Meares' ships in Nootka Sound required Spain's forfeiture of claims to territory north of California. Graff 2735; Howes M469; Sabin 47262. Cf. Hill p 195-96.
Bonhams
Mar. 12, 2013
A framed John Meares Voyages made in the years 1788 and 1789 titled The Launch of the North West America at Nootka Sound, 8 x 10 in....
Est: $150 - $250
A framed John Meares Voyages made in the years 1788 and 1789 titled The Launch of the North West America at Nootka Sound, published in 1790 8 x 10 in. (20 x 25 cm)
Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
Apr. 21, 2010
MEARES, John (1756?-1809). Voyages de la Chine à la côte Nord-Ouest d'Amérique, faits dans les années 1788 et 1789; précédés de la relation d'un autre voyage exécuté en 1786 sur le vaisseau le Nootka, parti du Bengale. Paris: F.
Est: €700 - €1,000
MEARES, John (1756?-1809). Voyages de la Chine à la côte Nord-Ouest d'Amérique, faits dans les années 1788 et 1789; précédés de la relation d'un autre voyage exécuté en 1786 sur le vaisseau le Nootka, parti du Bengale. Paris: F. Buisson, An III [1795]. 3 volumes in-8 (192 x 120 mm) et un atlas in-4 (292 x 222 mm). 28 planches: portrait de l'auteur, plans, cartes et vues. (Quelques rousseurs, planche 12 avec ancienne restauration atteignant l'image sans manque.) Reliure uniforme en demi-veau cerise de l'époque, dos lisses ornés (petites usures, dos passés). PREMIÈRE ÉDITION DE LA TRADUCTION FRANÇAISE (l'originale, parue à Londres en 1790, comporte le même nombre de planches). Meares fut l'un des fondateurs de la North-West-America Company chargé d'établir des relations commerciales avec les indigènes de l'Amérique russe, des îles de la mer de Béring et de l'archipel Aléoutien. Le commerce des fourrures était le principal objet de cette compagnie. BEL EXEMPLAIRE DANS UNE RELIURE TRÈS DÉCORATIVE. Sabin 47262. (4)
Christie's
Dec. 09, 2009
MEARES, John (ca 1756-1809). Voyages made in the years 1788 and 1789, from China to the North West coast of America. To which are prefixed, an introductory narrative of a voyage performed in 1786, from Bengal, in the Ship Nootka; observations on
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
MEARES, John (ca 1756-1809). Voyages made in the years 1788 and 1789, from China to the North West coast of America. To which are prefixed, an introductory narrative of a voyage performed in 1786, from Bengal, in the Ship Nootka; observations on the probable existence of a North West Passage; and some account of the trade between the North West coast of America and China; and the latter country and Great Britain. London: Logographic Press, sold by J. Walter, 1790. 4υo (288 x 230 mm). 5pp. subscribers' list, 28 engraved plates, coastal profiles and maps (10 folding), after T. Stothard, J. Wells and others (a few tears along folds, some light offsetting and staining). Contemporary calf, spine elaborately gilt (hinge of upper cover weak). ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TEXTS IN THE HISTORY OF THE CLAIM TO OREGON FIRST EDITION OF THIS IMPORTANT WORK: "Meare's voyages resulted in the Nootka Sound affair between Britain and Spain, and were the foundation of Britain's claim to Oregon, later ceded to the United States" (Abbey). "John Meares was sent out in 1786 from Calcutta, by a group of merchants, to enter into the fur trade of the northwest coast of America. Establishing himself at Nootka Sound and flying the British flag, he built the first vessel to be launched in northern waters, made important discoveries, and explored the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The discoveries by Meares were part of the basis for the claim of Great Britain to Oregon. Competition with the Spanish almost caused war between the two countries and this struggle became known as the Nootka Controversy. The Spanish seizure of his ships led to the convention by which the Spanish claims to any northern territory were finally disallowed. This important narrative gives a very full account of the Indian nations of Northwest America, describing their villages, languages, manners, and customs. It also contains a separate account of the voyage of the Iphegenia, commanded by Captain William Douglas, which visited the Sandwich Islands and Nootka Sound" (Hill). Various bibliographies call for differing numbers of plates. The present copy conforms to the Frank S. Streeter copy with 28 plates and the majority of those recorded at auction in American Book Prices Current. Abbey Travel 594; Cordier Sinica 2103; Hill 1126; Howes M-468; Sabin 47260 (26 plates); Smith 6690 (26 plates); Staton & Tremaine/TPL 612 (33 plates); Wagner Northwest Coast 758, 758a, 759-766.
Christie's
Apr. 06, 2009
MEARES, JOHN. 1756?-1809.
Est: $6,000 - $9,000
Voyages Made in the Years 1788 and 1789, from China to the North West Coast of America. To Which Are Prefixed, an Introductory Narrative of a Voyage Performed in 1786, from Bengal, in the Ship Nootka; Observations on the Probable Existence of a North West Passage; and Some Account of the Trade Between the North West Coast of America and China; and the Latter Country and Great Britain. London: Logographic Press and sold by J. Walter, 1790. viii, [12], xcv, [1], 372, [108] pp. Illustrated with stipple-engraved frontispiece portrait of Meares and 27 maps and plates, many of which are folding, and some which employ aquatint. 4to (270 x 210 mm). Full period tan diced calf, rebacked with tan morocco gilt. A few folding plates backed and with repairs, occasional faint spots, some toning, stray spots, but generally clean, light wear to covers, but attractive. First edition. "Meares made two fur trading voyages to the Northwest Coast. The first, sponsored by Bengal merchants, included the ships Nootka and Sea Otter, which sailed from Calcutta on March 2, 1786. On this voyage Meares reached Alaska and visted Kodiak but was continually frustrated by the presence of the Russians. On the northwest coast he met Portlock and Dixon. In June 1787 he sailed to Hawaii and continued on to Canton, taking with him the Hawaiian chief Kiana (whose portrait is included among the plates). On the Nootka, Meares again arrived at Hawaii August 2, 1787 and departed September 2, 1787. Meares returned to Hawaii as master of the Felice," the renamed Nootka, October 18 and departed October 26, 1788. Meares' second voyage to the American coast (1787-1788) was to alter the course of history. In 1788 he determined to establish a permanent fur-trading settlement at Nootka and engaged Colnett of the Argonaut and Hudson of the Princess Royal to accompany him. Shortly after arrival in territory claimed by Spain, the ships Iphigenia, Argonaut, and Princess Royal were seized by a Spanish frigate, and the resulting action, known as the "Nootka Controversy," nearly precipitated a war between England and Spain. The appendixes to this work contain letters and instructions, Dufferin's journal kept while exploring the Straits of Juan de Fuca in July 1788, and Meares' memorial to the House of Commons, May 13, 1790, claiming exclusive rights to Nootka and the prior raising of the British Flag. Meares' account was central to British claims to the Northwest Territory and led to the convention by which Spain's claim was finally disallowed. This has always been considered 'One of the fundamental books on the Northwest coast of America in general and on Alaska in particular' (Lada-Mocarski)" (Forbes 201). Hill pp 195-6; Howes M469; Sabin 47260. See illustration.
Bonhams
Apr. 06, 2009
MEARES, JOHN. 1756?-1809.
Est: $400 - $600
Collection de cartes géographiques, vues, marines, plans et portraits, relatifs aux voyages du Capitaine J. Meares. Paris: F. Buisson, [1795]. 4 pp. 28 engraved views, portraits and maps (16 folding). 4to. Period decorative boards. Inkstamp to blank area of one plate, binding lightly rubbed. The atlas volume to Meares' Voyages de la Chine à la côte nord-ouest d'Amérique. Forbes 238; Sabin 47262.
Bonhams
Apr. 30, 2008
MEARES, John (1756?-1809). Voyages made in the Years 1788 and 1789, from China to the North West Coast of America. To which are prefixed ... A voyage performed in 1786, from Bengal, in the ship Nootka; observations on the probable existence of a
Est: £3,000 - £5,000
MEARES, John (1756?-1809). Voyages made in the Years 1788 and 1789, from China to the North West Coast of America. To which are prefixed ... A voyage performed in 1786, from Bengal, in the ship Nootka; observations on the probable existence of a North West Passage and some account of the trade between the north west coast of America and China. London: Logographic Press, sold by J. Walter, 1790. 4° (292 x 225mm). Engraved portrait after W. Beechey, 10 engraved maps, 3 folding, and 17 stipple or aquatint plates, 7 folding or double-page, after Meares, T.S. Parry, T. Stothard, and C. Metz. (Frontispiece shaved at outer margin, first map partially browned, cleanly torn and creased, some browning and spotting to other maps and plates, offsetting to text, segment torn from margin of one folding plate, outer margin of X1-2 repaired.) Contemporary russia, gilt floret border, flat gilt spine with morocco labels, marbled endpapers (cracks and chips to spine, joints and corners rubbed). Provenance: Francis Ferrand Foljambe (stamp on title). FIRST EDITION. When a consortium of English trading ships was seized by the Spanish in Nootka Sound in May 1789, it caused Meares to leave China and personally seek redress from the British government. The political storm he aroused also created a wide readership for his Voyages. Relating his exploration of the north-west coast, the book is 'an important link in the chain of American discovery, of which he was one of the pioneers. The English claim to Oregon depended mainly on his discoveries, and the seizure of his ships by the Spaniards, led to the convention by which the Spanish claims to any Northern territory were finally disallowed' (Sabin). Apart from the interest of the voyages themselves, it 'gives a very full account of the Indian nations of Northwest America, describing their villages, languages, manners, and customs' (Hill). The second edition of 1791 was followed by many foreign translations. Abbey Travel II 594; Cordier 2103; Hill 1126; Howes M-469; Howgego M-86; Sabin 47260.
Christie's
Apr. 16, 2007
MEARES, John (ca 1756-1809). Voyages made in the years 1788 and 1789, from China to the North West coast of America. To which are prefixed, an introductory narrative of a voyage performed in 1786, from Bengal, in the Ship Nootka; observations on
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
MEARES, John (ca 1756-1809). Voyages made in the years 1788 and 1789, from China to the North West coast of America. To which are prefixed, an introductory narrative of a voyage performed in 1786, from Bengal, in the Ship Nootka; observations on the probable existence of a North West Passage; and some account of the trade between the North West coast of America and China; and the latter country and Great Britain . London: Logographic Press, sold by J. Walter, 1790. 4 o (285 x 230 mm). 5pp. subscribers' list, 28 engraved plates, coastal profiles and maps (10 folding), after T. Stothard, J. Wells and others (a few repaired tears, some occasional light creasing). (g1 of the Appendix with lower corner renewed, some occasional pale offsetting from plates.) Modern half morocco, marbled boards. Provenance : Joseph Hume (early armorial bookplate preserved), probably the radical politician and leader of the movement for universal suffrage, who had started out as a doctor for the East India Company. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TEXTS IN THE HISTORY OF THE CLAIM TO OREGON FIRST EDITION OF THIS IMPORTANT WORK: "Meare's voyages resulted in the Nootka Sound affair between Britain and Spain, and were the foundation of Britain's claim to Oregon, later ceded to the United States" (Abbey). "John Meares was sent out in 1786 from Calcutta, by a group of merchants, to enter into the fur trade of the northwest coast of America. Establishing himself at Nootka Sound and flying the British flag, he built the first vessel to be launched in northern waters, made important discoveries, and explored the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The discoveries by Meares were part of the basis for the claim of Great Britain to Oregon. Competition with the Spanish almost caused war between the two countries and this struggle became known as the Nootka Controversy. The Spanish seizure of his ships led to the convention by which the Spanish claims to any northern territory were finally disallowed. This important narrative gives a very full account of the Indian nations of Northwest America, describing their villages, languages, manners, and customs. It also contains a separate account of the voyage of the Iphegenia , commanded by Captain William Douglas, which visited the Sandwich Islands and Nootka Sound" (Hill). Various bibliographies call for differing numbers of plates. The present copy conforms to the Thomas W. Streeter copy with 28 plates and the majority of those recorded at auction in American Book Prices Current . Abbey Travel 594; Cordier Sinica 2103; Hill 1126; Howes M-468; Sabin 47260 (26 plates); Smith 6690 (26 plates); Staton & Tremaine/TPL 612 (33 plates); Streeter sale VI:3491; Wagner Northwest Coast 758, 758a, 759-766.
Christie's
Sep. 21, 2005
JOHN MEARES (1756?-1809)
Est: £3,000 - £5,000
Voyages made in the years 1788 and 1789, from China to the North West Coast of America. To which is prefixed, An Introductory Narrative of a Voyage performed in 1786, from Bengal, in the Ship Nootka; observations on the probable existence of a North West Passage; and some account of the trade between the North West Coast of America and China; and the latter country and Great Britain. London: The Logographic Press for J. Walter, 1790. 4° (290 x 228mm). Frontispiece portrait and 16 engraved or aquatint plates, 6 double-page, and 10 maps, 3 folding. (One map browned and repaired at folds, some spotting to plates.) 20th-century half calf gilt over 19th-century marbled boards, spine gilt in compartments, gilt morocco lettering-pieces in 2, yellow edges (a little rubbed, spine slightly faded). Provenance: Anna Fox (early signature on title). SCARCE FIRST EDITION ON THE CHINA TRADE WITH NORTH AMERICA, these voyages commanded by Meares 'are an important link in the chain of American discovery, of which he was one of the pioneers, and on whom Britain's claim to the Oregon Territory depended' (Sabin). Following his 1786 voyage from Bengal in the Nootka, Meares took the ships Iphigenia and Felice from Calcutta for a company of Merchant Proprietors to enter the fur trade between the northwest coast of America and China, sailing under a Portuguese flag to avoid the British fur monopoly. It was in Cook Inlet that his ship became frozen in and twenty-three officers and crew died of scurvy in 1786. Their rescue by Captains Portlock and Dixon led to a long controversy over Meares' infringement of the South Sea Company monopoly on fur trading on the American coast. From 1788 to 1789 Meares explored and took possession of the Straits of Juan de Fuca for Britain and established a base at Nootka Sound where he built the schooner Northwest America, the first vessel launched in northern waters. He also made coastal surveys and discoveries which became part of Britain's claim to Oregon and led to near-war with Spain and the Nootka Controversy. Spain seized his ship Iphigenia, for which Meares claimed compensation, and later seized Captain Colnett's ship the Argonaut, all of which led to the Nootka Treaty of 1790. Meares succeeded in making the voyage to China and sold his furs, yet the entire venture was a financial loss for the Merchants Proprietors. The work is edited by William Combe from Meares' papers which give a very full description of the Northwest Indians, their villages, languages and customs. Hill 1126; Lada-Mokarski 46; Abbey Travel 594; Cox II, p. 29; Sabin 46260; Lust 344.
Christie's
Jun. 10, 2004
Voyages made in the Years 1788 and 1789, from China to the North West Coast of America. To which
Est: $6,000 - $9,000
Voyages made in the Years 1788 and 1789, from China to the North West Coast of America. To which are prefixed, an Introductory Narrative of a Voyage performed in 1786, from Bengal, in the Ship Nootka; Observations on the Probable Existence of a North West Passage; and some account of the Trade between the North West Coast of America and China; and the latter country and Great Britain viii, [12], xcv, [1], 372, [108] pp. With stipple-engraved frontispiece portrait & 27 copper-engraved maps, plates, views, plans, sketches, etc. (some folding; some in stipple or aquatint). (4to) 10 3/4 x8 1/2 ; period full diced calf, rebacked with modern gilt-tooled morocco, raised spine bands. First Edition. Meares' own account of his two fur-trading voyages to the Northwest Coast, which were to exert profound influence on sovereignty of the region., in the words of David Forbes, the book was "central to British claims to the Northwest Territory and led to the convention by which Spain's claim was finally disallowed." Lada-Mocarski declares this work "One of the early and fundamental books on the Northwest Coast of America in general and on Alaska in partidular." Hill describes it thus: "This important narrative gives a very full account of the Indian nations of Northwest America, describing their villages, languages, manners, and customs. It also contains a separate account of the voyage of the Iphegenia, commanded by Captain William Douglas, which visited the Sandwich Islands and Nootka Sound." Howes adds that it's the "Pioneer English voyage to this coast, supplying the chief basis to British claims to Oregon. Spanish pretensions to territory beyond California were relinquished in the treaty following England's remonstrance over the seizure of Meare's ships, anchored off Nootka," which conflict became known as the "Nootka Controversy." In this copy, all the plates except for the frontispiece portrait have been bound after the text; the scarce Philippine plate, not issued with all copies, which usually faces p.17, is present. Graff 2734; Forbes 201; Hill Pacific Voyages pp.195-6; Howes M469; Sabin 47260; Smith 6690; Streeter 3491; Wickersham 6595.
PBA Galleries Auctions & Appraisers
May. 09, 2002
John Meares (1756?-1809)
Est: $2,900 - $4,350
Voyages made in the years 1788 and 1789, from China to the North West coast of America. To which are prefixed, an introductory narrative of a voyage performed in 1786, from Bengal, in the Ship Nootka; observations on the probable existence of a North West Passage; and some account of the trade between the North West coast of America and China; and the latter country and Great Britain. London: Logographic Press, sold by J.Walter, 1790. 4o (285 x 230mm). 5pp. subscribers' list, 28 engraved plates, coastal profiles and maps, 10 folding, after T.Stothard and others by J.Wells and others. (Small tears to folds of first two maps, some light spotting, some plates close shaved.) 20th-century calf, red morocco lettering-piece to spine (spine faded). FIRST EDITION, OF THIS IMPORTANT WORK: 'Meare's voyages resulted in the Nootka Sound affair between Britain and Spain, and were the foundation of Britain's claim to Oregon, later ceded to the United States' (Abbey). 'John Meares was sent out in 1786 from Calcutta, by a group of merchants, to enter into the fur trade of the northwest coast of America. Establishing himself at Nootka Sound and flying the British flag, he built the first vessel to be launched in northern waters, made important discoveries, and explored the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The discoveries by Meares were part of the basis for the claim of Great Britain to Oregon. Competition with the Spanish almost caused war between the two countries and this struggle became known as the Nootka Controversy. The Spanish seizure of his ships led to the convention by which the Spanish claims to any northern territory were finally disallowed. This important narrative gives a very full account of the Indian nations of Northwest America, describing their villages, languages, manners, and customs. It also contains a separate account of the voyage of the Iphegenia, commanded by Captain William Douglas, which visited the Sandwich Islands and Nootka Sound'. (Hill). Abbey Travel II, 594; Cordier 2103; Hill I, p.195; Staton & Tremaine 612; Sabin 47260.
Christie's