A VOYAGE TOWARDS THE NORTH POLE UNDERTAKEN BY HIS MAJESTY'S COMMAND

London, 1774.. viii,253,[2]pp. plus three folding maps and twelve folding plates and plans. Original paper-covered boards, rebacked in vellum with original manuscript paper label laid down. Edges worn, corners renewed. Modern bookplate, minor foxing, faint dampstain to upper corner of some leaves and plates. A tall copy in very good condition. Untrimmed. An important work in early Arctic exploration, with significant information on early nautical science in the polar region. Two ships, the RACEHORSE and the CARCASS, under the command of Phipps, penetrated to 80° north above Spitzbergen before being blocked by ice. Besides being the farthest northern penetration scientifically recorded to that time, the work contains a descriptive catalogue of the fauna, botany, and natural resources of Spitzbergen. "The valuable appendix gives geographical and meteorological observations, zoological and botanical records, accounts of the distillation of fresh water from the sea, and astronomical observations" - Hill. Lord Nelson, then a young midshipman, was along on his maiden voyage. The folding plates include handsome views of the ships in the pack ice. COX II, p.19. HILL 1351. TAXONOMIC LITERATURE 7874. SABIN 62572.