[LA PÉROUSE, Jean François Galaup de]. LABILLARDIERE, Jacques Julien Houton de (1755-1834). Relation du voyage la recherche de La Pérouse. Paris: H.J. Jansen, an VIII [1799-1800].

[LA PÉROUSE, Jean François Galaup de]. LABILLARDIERE, Jacques Julien Houton de (1755-1834). Relation du voyage la recherche de La Pérouse. Paris: H.J. Jansen, an VIII [1799-1800].

2 text volumes, 4° (300 x 227 mm) and atlas 2° (562 x 414 mm). Half-title in each text volume, atlas with engraved title, engraved folding world map and 43 engraved plates (some spotting and marginal staining). Text in contemporary paper covered boards, spine gilt lettered, uncut, atlas in contemporary patterned paper covered boards (atlas rebacked, some rubbing to edges.)

FIRST EDITION, with text in quarto format (the text was simultaneously issued in octavo). The expedition under the command of Dentrecasteaux surveyed the coasts of Tasmania, New Caledonia, the north coast of New Guinea, south-west coast of Australia, the Tonga and other islands in the vain hope of recovering some relics of La Pérouse's expedition. The plates in the atlas depict views, the natives of the Admiralty Islands, Tasmanis, New Zealand, the Friendly Islands and New Caledonia native implements and canoes, birds, plants, etc. Ferguson 308; Hill 954.