Plata

First edition, 4to (280 x 210 mm), [6], xl, 252, cxlivpp., with errata slip, folding engraved chart frontispiece (lightly offset onto title), 2 folding engraved maps, 29 aquatint plates of which 15 are hand-coloured (some folding), 3 large folding engraved meteorological registers, with an appendix of scientific observations and reports, some offsetting, cont. half calf, marbled boards, five raised bands, five compartments with triple gilt filet borders, the sixth with leather label lettered in gilt, marbled edges, a very handsome copy. "A famous, even notorious, voyage, led by Captain John Ross. As his lieutenants, Ross had aboard William Parry, James Clark Ross, and Edward Sabine, all of future fame as explorers. Ross attempted to proceed westward through Lancaster Sound, but being deceived, presumably by a mirage, he described the passage as barred by a range of mountains, which he named the Croker Mountains, despite the disbelief of his colleagues. On returning to England in November, the report was, at first, accepted as conclusive, and Ross was promoted to post rank in December, 1818. In the following year he published this volume. A controversy soon arose which called Ross's courage into question and opened a life-long quarrel between him and Sir John Barrow, Secretary of the Admiralty".?Hill. Provenance: Armorial bookplate of Colonel Ernest William Greg (1862?1934) to front paste-down. Abbey Travel, 634; Hill, 1488; Lande, 1425.