KRASHENINNIKOV, Stepan Petrovich (1713-1755). The History of Kamtschatka, and the Kurilski Islands, with the Countries Adjacent. Translated from Russian into English by James Grieve. London: R. Raikes, Gloucester for Thomas Jefferys, 1764.
KRASHENINNIKOV, Stepan Petrovich (1713-1755). The History of Kamtschatka, and the Kurilski Islands, with the Countries Adjacent. Translated from Russian into English by James Grieve. London: R. Raikes, Gloucester for Thomas Jefferys, 1764.

细节
KRASHENINNIKOV, Stepan Petrovich (1713-1755). The History of Kamtschatka, and the Kurilski Islands, with the Countries Adjacent. Translated from Russian into English by James Grieve. London: R. Raikes, Gloucester for Thomas Jefferys, 1764.

4o (258 x 209 mm). 2 engraved folding maps by Thomas Jefferys and 5 engraved plates (2 folding). (Some light offsetting and spotting.) Contemporary English calf, spine gilt in compartments, gilt morocco lettering piece in one (joints repaired, light wear to spine ends and lower joint). Provenance: B. Barrett (bookplate).

CONTAINING ONE OF THE EARLIEST ACCOUNTS OF ALASKA AND THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH. Krasheninnikov's work includes excerpts from Steller's notes and thus contains "the first scientific account of [Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands]" (Hill). Krasheninnikov joined Bering's second expedition and explored Kamchatka with Steller as his assistant; although Krasheninnikov then returned to St. Petersburg, Steller's notes were available to him and the work was compiled from both men's researches: "the inclusion of Steller's observations on America, made during his travels with Bering's second voyage, are an important part of this work, and constitute one of the earliest accounts of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands... This work details the customs, morals, and religion of the inhabitants of the Kamchatkan peninsula, and discusses the power exercised by the magicians. Also described are the differences between the dialects of the Kamchatkans and those of the Korsars and of the Kurile Islanders" (Hill). Originally published in Russia in 1755. Brunet III:696; Hill 948; Howes K-265; Lada-Mocarski 12 (note); Sabin 38301.