![[CLUNY, Alexander (d. 1770?).] The American Traveller: or, Observations on the Present State, Culture and Commerce of the British Colonies in America, and the Further Improvements of which They are Capable. London: E. and C. Dilly and J. Almon, 1769.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2017/NYR/2017_NYR_15724_0009_000(cluny_alexander_the_american_traveller_or_observations_on_the_present051736).jpg?w=1)
Details
[CLUNY, Alexander (d. 1770?).] The American Traveller: or, Observations on the Present State, Culture and Commerce of the British Colonies in America, and the Further Improvements of which They are Capable. London: E. and C. Dilly and J. Almon, 1769.
The first edition of this epistolary report on the Hudson's Bay Company. Cluny was posted for a year at the Hudson's Bay Company’s headquarters in York Passage, where he wrote this discussion of economic relations between Britain and the colonies. Cluny’s book is largely an attack on the HBC, condemning their monopoly and suggesting that they might be hiding knowledge of a Northwest Passage to protect their own interests. To this end, in his fanciful map of America, Cluny names the entrance to the Northwest passage “Cape Spurel” and “Cape Fowler” after the company’s chief officers. It was enough to pressure the company to fund Samuel Hearne’s expedition to search for the passage. Howes C-501; Lande 428; Sabin 13796; Streeter sale 740; TPL 428.
Quarto (268 x 206mm). Engraved frontispiece, one large folding map. Contemporary sheep ruled in gilt (some light wear). Provenance: Donald Heald Rare Books.
The first edition of this epistolary report on the Hudson's Bay Company. Cluny was posted for a year at the Hudson's Bay Company’s headquarters in York Passage, where he wrote this discussion of economic relations between Britain and the colonies. Cluny’s book is largely an attack on the HBC, condemning their monopoly and suggesting that they might be hiding knowledge of a Northwest Passage to protect their own interests. To this end, in his fanciful map of America, Cluny names the entrance to the Northwest passage “Cape Spurel” and “Cape Fowler” after the company’s chief officers. It was enough to pressure the company to fund Samuel Hearne’s expedition to search for the passage. Howes C-501; Lande 428; Sabin 13796; Streeter sale 740; TPL 428.
Quarto (268 x 206mm). Engraved frontispiece, one large folding map. Contemporary sheep ruled in gilt (some light wear). Provenance: Donald Heald Rare Books.