PHIPPS, Constantine John - Lot 130

PHIPPS, Constantine John Voyage to the Boreal Pole, made in 1773, by order of the King of England. Translated from the English. Paris, Saillant & Nyon, 1775. In-4 (258 x 199 mm) of XII, 259 pp.o.c., 2 ff.n.ch. (privilege and notice to the binder), 11 folding tables, 12 folding engraved plates. Fawn calf, triple gilt fillet, spine ribbed, caissons decorated with grotesque decoration, interior roulette, spotted edges in blue ink (contemporary binding). Sabin, 62574; Chadenat, 661; Howgego, P82; see Hill, 1351 (1774 English ed.). First edition of the French translation by Demeunier, revised by Claret de Fleurieu. The translation of this work was fraught with difficulties. "The Navy, Astronomy, Sciences & Mechanical Arts have technical terms that one learns in both languages only after much care. M. le chevalier de Fleurieu, ensign of the king's ships, who made a voyage so useful to sailors and astronomers, and who has so much zeal for the progress of navigation, has taken the trouble to review and explain the most difficult places with a kindness for which the translator cannot be too grateful" (introduction). Famous report of the voyage to the North Pole of the English explorer and naturalist Constantine John Phipps (1744-1792). The expedition, composed of two vessels, including the Racehorse under Phipps' command, counted Israel Lyons, Nicholas Biddle, and Horatio Nelson among its crew. Embarking on June 4, 1773, Phipps sailed to Svalbard and the Seven Islands, but had to turn back on September 17 because of the ice. The book contains interesting astronomical observations made with Israel Lyons, and a study of the natural productions of Spitzbergen. Decorated with 12 beautiful folding plates: maps, views, coastal profiles, marine clock, shells, etc. The 11 tables contain statistical statements. Nice copy, spine very skilfully restored. According to an old note on the flyleaf this binding would be by Padeloup.