John Ledyard's Journal of Captain Cook's Last Voyage
Corvallis, Oregon: Oregon State University, (1963). First Thus. Hardcover with Dust Jacket. 8vo. Pp. l, [6], 7-264. Introduction by Sinclair H. Hitchings. Notes on flora by Helen M. Gilkey; notes on fauna by Robert M. Storm. Illustrated with reproductions of the title page and preliminaries from the first edition of Ledyard's journal (Hartford, 1783). Endpaper maps. Appendices. Bibliography. Index. Bound in taupe cloth with gilt lettering within blue letter blocks on front board and spine. In the illustrated dust jacket that shows light edge-wear and slightly darkened spine. Item #6989
The publisher's Studies in History, Number Three. "Adventurous" only attempts to describe the willingness of Ledyard, a Yank sailor from Connecticut, to embrace unprecedented cultural interaction, along with unknown danger. While serving as Corporal of the Marines on the Resolution, Ledyard was tattooed in Tahiti, made contact with Russians in Alaska (through an Inuit guide) and explored the interior of Hawaii. Indeed, it was during the latter that Captain Cook was killed, in 1779. A handsome copy. Dust jacket is now housed in a removable, clear archival sleeve.
Price: $30.00