Burney's ..Discoveries in the South Sea - Five Volumes with 41 Engravings

Burney's ..Discoveries in the South Sea - Five Volumes with 41 Engravings
This first edition, five volume work is James Burney's A Chronological History of the Discoveries in the South Sea or Pacific Ocean. The work was published in London by Luke Hansard for G. and W. Nicol between 1803 and 1817.

The five volumes are bound in 19th century black calf over blue marbled boards, gilt spines, rebacked retaining most of the original spines. There are 41 mostly folding engraved or woodcut charts, plates, and illustrations.

This was "the most significant general history of early discoveries in the South Seas, containing practically everything of importance on the subject; collected from all sources, with the most important remarks concerning them, by Captain Burney, who was a great authority on the subject." (Hill)

This work included the voyages to the Moluccas by Loyasa and Saavedra; the Philippines by Legazpi, Peche and Gali; Japan by Mahu and Cordes; and many other expeditions in the western Pacific, by Quiros, Dampier, &c. The maps and charts include the Philippines, Moluccas, Celebes, New Guinea, China and Japan.

James Burney (1750-1821) was an English rear-admiral. He served with Cook on his second and third voyages. He made the rank of Lieutenant in 1773 and returned from the third voyage in command of the Discovery after the death of Cook.


Paper Size: ~ 9" by 11 3/4"


Paper Type or Special Features: Five Volumes with 41 Engravings

The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. The binding is somewhat rubbed, a few chips or minor losses and creases to spine. There is some scattered foxing or offset to some of the plates. There is occasional contemporary marginalia. There is a small red stamp at the end of each volume. There may be a few minor imperfections or faint marks to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.