ANSON George Voyage autour du monde, fait dans les années MDCCXL, I, II, III, IV… dans la mer du sud… publié par Richard Walter.

Cf. Sabin, 1637; Borba de Moraes, I, 38-39; Duviols, 458; Pardo de Tavera, 85.

First edition of the French translation.

“In 1739, on the outbreak of war with Spain, Anson was given command of a Pacific squadron fitted out to raid Spanish possessions along the South American coast. Anson was provided with seven ships. Around Cape Horn the fleet hit bad weather which separated and damaged the vessels. Eventually the Chilean coast was sighted near the Isla de Chiloe from which point the remnants of the fleet made for the Juan Fernandez Islands. Anson and his remaining crew eventually reached Anatacon, the Tinian, before reaching Macao. Anson eventually left Macao for the homewards voyage, he watered at Prince’s Island, crossed the Indian Ocean, and anchored at Table Bay. Sailing again in early April he returned through the Atlantic and returned to Spithead in Portsmouth. Although Anson lost most of his crew (an estimated 1 000 lost to scurvy, 300 to typhus and dysentery, four in action and the remainder to shipwreck), and all but one of his ships, he did return with a vast bounty, at the time valued 400 000 £!” (Howgego).

The first work is illustrated with 34 plates and maps including the important plan of Manila and a map of the Philippine Islands. The supplement is based on the notes left by four officers having participated in the expedition: Bulkelei, Cummino, Campbell and Morris.

Fine copies, from the library of Abbey Jean Mignot, Voltaire’s nephew.