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WILLIAM BETAGH
A Voyage round the World. Being an Account of a Remarkable Enterprise, begun In the Year 1719, chiefly to cruise on the Spaniards in the great South Ocean. London: for T.Coombes, J.Lacy and J.Clarke, 1728. 8° (19.5 x 12cm.). Folding engraved map. (Repaired tear to D4, without final ?blank Z6, some light browning.) Modern half calf, spine gilt.
FIRST EDITION OF "ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT BUCCANEERING EXPEDITIONS" (Hill p.25). A privately financed expedition was mounted in 1719 using the Speedwell under the command of Captain George Shelvocke, and the Success commanded by Captain John Clipperton. "Betagh was aboard the Speedwell [as 'captain of Marines']. The author does his best to discredit... Shelvocke ['his pretended narrative is intirely a deception, and his whole conduct an indignity to his country', etc.].. In addition, Betagh describes his impressions of the countries visited in the course of the voyage, particularly the Spanish dominions of of Chile and Peru, where he observed the customs of the Creoles and the techniques of gold and silver mining and refining. Baja California and Macao were also visited" (Hill p.25). Betagh's narrative is considered more accurate than Shelvocke's own despite the evident personal animosity. Shelvocke seems to have been little more than an enterprising pirate, and was charged but acquitted of any wrong-doing on his return to England. He managed to avoid a second trial by the simple expedient of leaving the country. Borba de Moraes p.104; Hill p.25; Sabin 5057.
A Voyage round the World. Being an Account of a Remarkable Enterprise, begun In the Year 1719, chiefly to cruise on the Spaniards in the great South Ocean. London: for T.Coombes, J.Lacy and J.Clarke, 1728. 8° (19.5 x 12cm.). Folding engraved map. (Repaired tear to D4, without final ?blank Z6, some light browning.) Modern half calf, spine gilt.
FIRST EDITION OF "ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT BUCCANEERING EXPEDITIONS" (Hill p.25). A privately financed expedition was mounted in 1719 using the Speedwell under the command of Captain George Shelvocke, and the Success commanded by Captain John Clipperton. "Betagh was aboard the Speedwell [as 'captain of Marines']. The author does his best to discredit... Shelvocke ['his pretended narrative is intirely a deception, and his whole conduct an indignity to his country', etc.].. In addition, Betagh describes his impressions of the countries visited in the course of the voyage, particularly the Spanish dominions of of Chile and Peru, where he observed the customs of the Creoles and the techniques of gold and silver mining and refining. Baja California and Macao were also visited" (Hill p.25). Betagh's narrative is considered more accurate than Shelvocke's own despite the evident personal animosity. Shelvocke seems to have been little more than an enterprising pirate, and was charged but acquitted of any wrong-doing on his return to England. He managed to avoid a second trial by the simple expedient of leaving the country. Borba de Moraes p.104; Hill p.25; Sabin 5057.