Oak Knoll

First editions of the first and second voyage, the second and superior edition of the third voyage, with a total of 205 plates. The voyages of Captain James Cook (1728-1779), Includes three volumes relating to Cook's circumnavigation of the globe (published 1773), 2 volumes relating to Cook's voyage toward the South Pole (published 1777), and three volumes relating to Cook's voyages in the Pacific Ocean (published 1785). Also included is a one volume folio atlas with maps and engraved illustrations. Cook conducted his voyages between 1768 and 1779. He is noted for his discovery of Australia, his voyages into the northern Pacific and into the Arctic Ocean by way of the Bering Strait searching for the Northwest Passage, his two voyages south of the Antarctic Circle, and his discovery of the Hawaiian Islands. It was in Hawaii that Cook and four of his officers were murdered by native Hawaiians. Cook's voyages were a landmark in enhancing knowledge of the Pacific basin. All volumes with engraved maps and illustrations. Covers of some volumes rubbed and scuffed, some outside joints or inside hinges cracked.

An Account of the Voyages undertaken by the Order of His Present Majesty for making Discoveries in the Southern Hemisphere, And successively performed by Commodore Byron, Captain Wallis, Captain Carteret, And Captain Cook, In the Dolphin, the Swallow, and the Endeavour. London: W. Strahan; and T. Cadell, 1773. First edition in 3 volumes, 4to (10 6/8 x 8 4/8 inches). With "A Description of the Cuts" and "Directions for placing the cuts and charts". First volume contains 21 plates, volume two contains 22 plates, and volume three contains 9 plates, for a total of 52 plates. All three volumes in a contemporary full leather with five bands in six compartments. 'HAWKSWORTH'S | COLLECTS: OF | VOYAGES' in second compartment from the top, with volume number for each volume in the third compartment from the top, both in gilt. Light foxing throughout. All edges speckled red. Some shelf wear and hinges tender, but otherwise a beautiful set.

Voyage Towards the South Pole, and Round the World Performed in His Majesty's Ship the Resolution and Adventure in the Years 1772, 1773, 1774, and 1775. Written by James Cook, Commander of the Resolution. In which is included, Captain Furneaux's Narrative of his Proceedings in the Adventure during the Separation of the Ships. In Two Volumes. / Illustrated with Maps and Charts, and a Variety of Portraits of Persons and Views of Places, drawn during the Voyage by Mr. Hodges, and engraved by the most eminent Masters. W. Strahan; T. Cadell c. 1779, London. Edition : First edition in two volumes. Volume one has 38 plates and volume two has 28 plates, for a total of 66 plates. Original half-leather over marbled paper covered boards. Four raised bands. Front cover of volume one is detached. Shelfwear around edges as well as along the spine. Minor foxing throughout. 'COOK'S | VOYAGES' in compartment second from the top, Volume number in compartment forth from the top, and '1777' in bottom compartment along the spines of both volumes. Fore-edge of both volumes are untrimmed. The volume compartment of volume one has detached, but is present with this set.


A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean, for making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere. Performed under the Direction of Captains Cook, Clerke, and Gore, in His Majesty's Ships the Resolution and Discovery; in the Years 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779, and 1780. printed by H. Hughs for G. Nicol and T. Cadell, London, 1785. 4 volumes (text: 3 volumes, quarto [11 1/2 x 9 1/4 inches]; atlas: 1 volume. Large folio [21 3/4 x 15 1/2 inches]). Volume one has seven (7) plates, volume two has eleven (11) plates, and volume three has six (6) plates. The atlas has 63 plates, bringing the total to 87 plates. The plates excluded from the atlas are: 2, 3, 5, 9, 12, 19, 24, 30, 32, 33, 37, 44, 53, 59, 69. (Lacking "Death of Captain Cook"). All of the plates are in exceptional condition aside from a minor outline of a water stain effecting some of the plates. Full contemporary calf, gilt along edge of covers and spine. Marbled pastedowns and free endpapers. Expertly rebacked with minor shelf wear along edges. Top edge stained black. Atlas in half leather over marbled paper covered boards. Rubbing along the edges, spine, and hinges, else a terrific copy.


Philips 3946. Hill 782, 358, 361; Edward Jenks "The Great Events Vol. XVII p.238; Mitchell Library "Cook" 650, 1229, 1553; Sabin 30934, 16245, 16250.