BELCHER, Edward, Sir (1799-1877). The Last of the Arctic Voyages; Being a Narrative of the Expedition of H.M.S. 'Assistance' ... in Search of Sir John Franklin...1852-53-54. London: L. Reeve, 1855. Lot 12

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BELCHER, Edward, Sir (1799-1877). The Last of the Arctic Voyages; Being a Narrative of the Expedition of H.M.S. 'Assistance' ... in Search of Sir John Franklin...1852-53-54. London: L. Reeve, 1855. FIRST EDITION. A BRIGHT COPY.

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May 11, 2023 10:00AM CT

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BELCHER, Edward, Sir (1799-1877). The Last of the Arctic Voyages; Being a Narrative of the Expedition of H.M.S. 'Assistance' ... in Search of Sir John Franklin...1852-53-54. London: L. Reeve, 1855.

2 volumes, 8vo. Lithographed frontispiece, 4 lithographed maps[3 folding], 36 chromolithographed plates. (One folding map with 5" tear repaired verso, scant spotting.) Publisher's blind-stamped blue cloth gilt uncut and unopened (corners slightly bumped, a few minor stains, otherwise bright). Provenance: Collector's bookplate, a few pencil marks.

FIRST EDITION. Belcher's 1852-54 expedition in search of Franklin would be the last official British attempt. On the HMS Assistance, Belcher successfully navigated through the Wellington Channel, but beset by ice was unable to return to Lancaster Sound and was forced to abandon the ship. This account of the expedition also includes several essays on the natural history of the region by Richardson, Owen, Bell, Salter and Reeve. Abbey Travel 645; Arctic Bibliography 1241; Books on Ice 5.8a; Hill 106; Sabin 4389; Staton & Tremaine/TPL 3409. A BRIGHT COPY.