Voyage autour du Monde,

£135,000 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books · No longer available

A rare complete set of the official account of Freycinet's voyage of scientific exploration. During the nineteenth century, a large part of ornithological interest was taken by the description and discovery of new species. A number of large works were produced in France as a result of scientific expeditions sent out to gather materials to be brought home and described. These works were profusely illustrated with colour plates by the finest artists. One of the most important of these is the present work. The zoological section was written by Quoy and Gaimard. It contains a good deal of ornithological material including 27 fine plates: 'it included, probably 8–10 new species of Australian birds' - Andrew Black et al, British Ornithologists' Club, 2013. 'The Uranie, with a crew of 1123 men, entered the Pacific from the West to make scientific observations on geography, magnetism, and meteorology... the expedition... visited most notably Australia, the Hawaiian Islands, Tonga, and Tierra del Fuego. The original ship wrecked off the Falkland Islands, was replaced by the Physicienne which visited Rio de Janeiro. Captain... Freycinet's wife, Rose, was smuggled on board at the advent of the voyage and made the complete journey, causing a great deal of discord among the crew. Freycinet named an island he discovered after her - Rose Island among the Samoa Island' (Hill). First edition. 12 vols comprising: 8 vols 4to text, plus 4 large folio volumes (1 atlas, 3 of plates), three engrave

• Binding: Hardcover

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