KING, Phillip Parker.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Sailing Directions for the Coasts of Eastern and Western Patagonia, Scarce first edition of the first hydrographic survey of the South American coast, capturing data from the first voyage of the Beagle. When preparing the three-volume Narrative (1839) of the two voyages, FitzRoy drew heavily on King's Directions to prepare the introductory volume.Phillip Parker King (1791-1856) captained the HMS Adventure on its great surveying expedition from 1826 to 1830, exploring the coasts of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego which later formed the first stage of Darwin's voyage. Despite difficult conditions, "the work was carried on with diligence and an exactness which established the reputations of both King and FitzRoy in the very first rank of hydrographers" (ODNB).This copy carries the 1832 ownership signature of a member of the Elphinstone family. Earlier in his career, King served aboard HMS Elizabeth, the flagship of Rear Admiral Charles Elphinstone Fleeming.Sailing Directions is scarce institutionally and in commerce: Library Hub locates just two copies in UK institutions. We trace only two other copies to come to market in the past 50 years, both in the same distinctive half russia binding by J. Smith, with vertical spine lettering, seen on this copy.

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