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Details
COXE, William (1747-1828). Account of the Russian Discoveries between Asia and America. To which are added the Conquest of Siberia, and the History of the Transactions and Commerce between Russia and China. London: Cadell and Davies, 1804.
One of only 60 copies of the large-paper issue of the definitive fourth edition. The substantial additions to this edition are delineated in the preface and include first appearances in English of Steller's narrative on Behring's expedition, an account of Shelikhov's settlement in Kodiak, and the narrative and maps of Krenitzin's and Levashev's 'secret' expedition. "In view of the above additions, one should consider the fourth edition of 1803 as the most desirable for study of contemporary knowledge of Russian discoveries ... Esthetically, one is likely to prefer this large paper edition to the octavo of 1803" (Lada-Mocarski). The type was reset for this large-paper edition and it has different pagination from the octavo, though both are denominated the "fourth edition" on the title-pages. Arctic Bib. 34257; Howes C-834; Lada-Mocarski 29 (note); Sabin 17309 (8vo ed.); Streeter sale 3502; Wickersham 5882.
Quarto (327 x 253mm). 5 engraved maps, 2 of which are folding; engraved plate (some foxing to engravings and facing pages). Contemporary tree calf gilt (rebacked, repair to corners). Provenance: Dorothy Sloan, 15 February 2006, lot 64.
One of only 60 copies of the large-paper issue of the definitive fourth edition. The substantial additions to this edition are delineated in the preface and include first appearances in English of Steller's narrative on Behring's expedition, an account of Shelikhov's settlement in Kodiak, and the narrative and maps of Krenitzin's and Levashev's 'secret' expedition. "In view of the above additions, one should consider the fourth edition of 1803 as the most desirable for study of contemporary knowledge of Russian discoveries ... Esthetically, one is likely to prefer this large paper edition to the octavo of 1803" (Lada-Mocarski). The type was reset for this large-paper edition and it has different pagination from the octavo, though both are denominated the "fourth edition" on the title-pages. Arctic Bib. 34257; Howes C-834; Lada-Mocarski 29 (note); Sabin 17309 (8vo ed.); Streeter sale 3502; Wickersham 5882.
Quarto (327 x 253mm). 5 engraved maps, 2 of which are folding; engraved plate (some foxing to engravings and facing pages). Contemporary tree calf gilt (rebacked, repair to corners). Provenance: Dorothy Sloan, 15 February 2006, lot 64.
Sale room notice
Please note that the photograph in the printed catalogue relates to lot 10; this lot is correctly illustrated in the online catalogue.