Lot 195: FORSTER, Johann Reinhold (1729-1798). History of the Voyages and Discoveries Made in the North . London: for G.G.J. and J. Robinson, 1786.

FORSTER, Johann Reinhold (1729-1798). History of the Voyages and Discoveries Made in the North . London: for G.G.J. and J. Robinson, 1786. 4 o (273 x 208 mm). Half-title. 3 engraved folding maps (one map with small marginal tear not affecting map, some occasional spotting). Contemporary calf (rebacked). Provenance : Freke family of Castle-Freke, County Cork (armorial bookplate). FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH of an important chronicle of northern exploration written by the German naturalist and scientist who accompanied Cook on his second voyage. First published in Germany in 1784, Forster's work traces the development of Arctic discovery, beginning with the voyages of Cabot in 1497, and including information on French, Spanish, Portuguese, Danish, and Russian voyages. He devotes significant space to British voyages searching for the northwest passage and also places particular emphasis on voyages around the Hudson Bay. Arctic Bibliography 5161; Cox III:22; Forbes 112; Howes F-269; Lande S785; Sabin 25138; Staton & Tremaine/TPL 528.