Lot 9: HODGES, William (1744-1797). Early issues of the engraved plates to accompany... -

HODGES, William (1744-1797). Early issues of the engraved plates to accompany the narrative of Cook's Second Voyage. London: 1776-1777.

Extremely rare – perhaps unique – bound collection of early versions and proofs of the illustrations used in the narrative of Cooks' Second Voyage, printed on large, thick paper, with extremely wide margins. The prints include all of the portraits and all bar three of the views found in the 2 volume text. None of the images bear plate numbers; 22 plates carry earlier imprints of 'July 16 1776' than those found in the published book (1777). One plate, 'A View in the Island of Rotterdam' is a proof before letters and numbers, without caption title, and with only 'Drawn from nature by W. Hodges' and 'Engraved by W. Byrne' appearing beneath the image. Another, 'Ice Islands', is without the date 'the 9th of Jany. 1773' in the caption, and carries the earlier imprint. The 11 plates that appear to be in the same state as those in the published volumes tend to have darker, finer impressions than those found in the book, a good example being the portrait of Omai. Comparisons with 2 very similar sets held by the Dixson Library, Library of New South Wales (Beddie 1404 and 1405) showing some striking similarities with size, format and styles matching the present set, and both have the uncompleted caption to the 'Ice Islands' plate as in the present lot. Beddie 1405 notes that Dixson F77/3 is 'Reputed to be one of six sets for persons connected with the Admiralty', and it is possible that the current set was made up for that purpose. The views not present are plates LIV 'The landing of Middleburgh one of the Friendly Isles', LXIII 'The Landing at Erramanga one of the New Hebrides' and LIX, 'The Landing at Tanna one of the New Hebrides', which also happen to be the only plates after Hodges executed by Sherwin.

Oblong folio (452 x 620mm). 34 engraved plates (i.e. all the portraits and all but 3 of the views [see above note] included in the official published account, see lots 5 and 6, the last 10 plates with variable dampstaining in lower margin but affecting images, a few faint insignificant creases). Modern half calf, antique style, retaining original green morocco spine label gilt lettered 'Cook's Prints' (extremities faintly rubbed). Provenance: Captain A.F.W. Fuller (no sign of provenance, but stated thus as item 43 in the Hordern House catalogue of the Robert and Mary Anne Parks Collection, 2011).