A Voyage round the World by Way of the Great South Sea, Perform'd in the Years 1719, 20, 21, 22, in the Speedwell of London, of 24 Guns and 100 Men, (under His Majesty's Commission to cruize on the Spaniards in the late War with the Spanish Crown) till she was cast away on the Island of Juan Fernandes, in May 1720; and afterwards continu'd in the Recovery [sic], the Jesus Maria and Sacra Familia, &c.: FIRST EDITION of one of the most famous buccaneering voyages

FIRST EDITION, Folding engraved map showing California as an island, 4 engraved plates, 2 folding. Contemporary blind-panelled calf, spine with gilt-lettered morocco label, (193 x 120mm), London: Printed for J. Senex, W. & J. Innys, J. Osborn & T. Longman, 1726.

FIRST EDITION of one of the most famous buccaneering voyages. This privately-funded privateering voyage sought to duplicate the success of Woodes Rogers' highly profitable voyage of 1708-1711.

Shelvocke commanded the Speedwell and John Clipperton commanded the Success. They were jointly involved in raids against Spanish shipping on the west coast of South America. Shelvocke parted from Clipperton to conduct his own raids in Peru and to sail up the coast to Cabo San Lucas where he remained for some months and wrote one of the earliest descriptions of the Indians of Baja California. He also was one of the first to suggest the possibility of finding gold in California.

Controversies surrounding the voyage began with his unjustified attack on a Portuguese Merchantman,which led to desertions and mutiny. It was while rounding Cape Horn that one of his crew shot an albatross, described in this work and later read by William Wordsworth who relayed it to Coleridge. It became an inspiration for his Rime of the Ancient Mariner.

After a quick crossing of the Pacific to Guam and Canton where the Speedwell was sold, Shelvocke seems to have awarded himself more than double his share of the plunder. His return to England brought charges of piracy and embezzlement, and the publication of his account in 1726 brought charges of libel from his shipmate William Betagh who duly published his own account and rebuttal in 1728. However, Shelvocke went on to re- establish his reputation and died in 1742, age 67, a wealthy man due to his buccaneering.

Alden & Landis 726/192; Barrett 2261; Borba de Moraes II:796; Cowan I pp.211-212; Cowan II pp.581-582; Hill 1557; Howes S-383; Leighly California as an Island 159; Sabin 80158; Wagner Northwest Coast 530; Wagner Spanish Southwest 88.