A Narrative of a Nine Months' Residence in New Zealand in 1827; Together with a Journal of a Residence in Tristan d'Acunha, An Island Situated Between South America and The Cape of Good Hope by EARLE, Augustus (1793-1838)

London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, Green & Longman, 1832. 8vo (8 6/8 x 5 4/8 inches). 16-page publisher's advertisement at the end dated July 1832. Two engraved portraits, including one as frontispiece, 5 aquatint plates, 2 of which are folding, after drawings by Earle, and include one of the "New Zealand method of Tatooing" (some heavy spotting and few pale mostly marginal stains). Modern red half morocco, gilt tools and titling on the spine. First edition. A fascinating book with lively plates that manage to capture the essence of a sketches from life. Earle's approach was one in which the events are narrated as dramatically as possible (making for a good read), while preserving a respectful appreciation for the New Zealanders as people, exemplified in the enigmatic portrait of a young New Zealand girl. Earle, "a professional artist, sailed for Hokianga from Sydney aboard the brig "Governor Macquarie" on October 20, 1827. Earle describes native life and religion, Captain Herd's settlement at Hokianga, and the natural history of New Zealand. The book includes an account of the massacre of Captain Marion de Fresne's crew by the New Zealanders in 1772, based on the testimony of a native eyewitness. pages [285]-371 contain Earle's narrative of Tristan da Cunha (Hill). Hill 529; Sabin 21624..