Lot 32: JOHANN GEORG ADAM FORSTER (1754-1794) [AND JOHANN REINHOLD FORSTER (1729-1798)]

A Voyage round the World, in His Britannic Majesty's Sloop 'Resolution', commanded by Capt. James Cook, during the Years 1772, 3, 4, and 5. London: B. White, J. Robson, et al, 1777. 2 volumes, 4° (294 x 230mm). Folding route map engraved by William Whitchurch, errata leaf. (Map offset, repaired at fold.) Contemporary tree calf gilt, boards with gilt rope-pattern borders, turn-ins gilt with foliate sprays, spines gilt in compartments, gilt morocco lettering-pieces in 2, yellow edges (skilfully recornered and rebacked).

FIRST EDITION OF AN IMPORTANT ADDITION TO COOK'S VOYAGES by Georg Forster and his father Johann Reinhold, who sailed as Naturalists on Cook's second voyage. It was first intended that the senior Forster should write the official account of the expedition but, because of a dispute with Cook and with the Admiralty, the offer was withdrawn. Both men wrote this rival account but it appears under the son's name as Forster père was disallowed from publishing by Admiralty orders. It was published several months before the official account, much to the displeasure of the officers and the Admiralty, and it contained verbal attacks on the officers and crew of the Resolution which were responded to in print. The Forsters were further criticized for not consulting Cook's journal more thoroughly. Nonetheless, it is an important addition to the official account with scientific observations and comments on the human side of the voyage. Kropelien 450; Hill 625; Spence 464; Rosove 132. (2)

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