ANSON (George). - Lot 2

ANSON (George). Voyage around the world, made in the years MDCCXL, I, II, III, IV. By George Anson, presently Lord Anson, Commander-in-Chief of a Squadron sent by His Britannic Majesty to the South Sea. Amsterdam, Leipzig: Arkstée & Merkus, 1749. - In-4, marbled calf, ornate spine, red edges (period binding). Original French edition published one year after the English original. The translation is by Elias de Joncourt (1697-1765), pastor and tutor to Prince William V. This account was taken from the journals and papers of Captain George Anson (1697-1762) by Richard Walter (1716-1785), who took part in the expedition as chaplain. The mission of this round-the-world circumnavigation was to harass the Spanish colonies in the Pacific Ocean and capture the Manila galleon. The loss of life was considerable, with only 188 men returning from the 2000 or so who set sail. Anson succeeded in capturing the Manila galleon, however, and was able to return to Britain in 1744 with the enormous booty it contained. The illustrations include a title vignette, a band at the head of the epistle, and 34 plates, most of them folding, depicting views, plans and 3 large maps: Grande carte du Canal des Isles Philippines; Mer du Sud ou Mer Pacifique; Carte de la partie méridionale de l'Amérique méridionale. A good copy in contemporary binding. Corners slightly dulled. Several leaves browned. Paper defects on folio Ii2, the gaps have been restored and the deficient text rewritten in ink. Provenance: Em. Taillebois, with stamp on title.