History of the Voyages and Discoveries Made in the North

By Johann Reinhold Forster

London: for G.G.J. and J. Robinson, 1786. 1st English Edition. 4o (273 x 208 mm). 489pp., 3 engraved folding maps, Index, Errata at end. Period full leather binding, marbled endspages, interior hinges reinforced, foxing on maps and title page, otherwise very clean internally.

—Sabin 25138; Staton & Tremaine 528; Howes F269

Forster’s important chronicle of northern exploration written by the German naturalist and scientist who accompanied Cook on his second voyage. First published in Germany in 1784, Forster’s work traces the development of Arctic discovery, beginning with the voyages of Cabot in 1497, and including information on French, Spanish, Portuguese, Danish, and Russian voyages. He devotes significant space to British voyages searching for the northwest passage and also places particular emphasis on voyages around the Hudson Bay.