BACK, George, Sir (1796-1878). Narrative of an Expedition in H.M.S. Terror, undertaken with a view to Geographical Discovery on The Arctic Shores, in the years 1836-7. London: John Murray, 1838. Lot 7

Lot 7 / 145

Lot 7

BACK, George, Sir (1796-1878). Narrative of an Expedition in H.M.S. Terror, undertaken with a view to Geographical Discovery on The Arctic Shores, in the years 1836-7. London: John Murray, 1838. FIRST EDITION.

Sale 1184 - Fine Printed Books & Manuscripts, including Americana

May 11, 2023 10:00AM CT

Live / Chicago

Own a similar item?

Estimate

$800 - 1,200

Price Realized

$1,260

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

BACK, George, Sir (1796-1878). Narrative of an Expedition in H.M.S. Terror, undertaken with a view to Geographical Discovery on The Arctic Shores, in the years 1836-7. London: John Murray, 1838.

8vo. Engraved linen-backed chart of Hudson's Strait (slight offsetting), 12 lithographic plates; 12pp. publisher's advertisements. (Some spotting and staining to a few leaves). Publisher's blue blind-stamped cloth, spine gilt-lettered (rebacked preserving original spine and front flyleaf). Provenance: 19th-century note on verso of original front flyleaf regarding plates; collector's bookplate, a few pencil marks.

FIRST EDITION of Back's account of his final Arctic voyage. Back was commissioned to complete the survey of the coast between Prince Regent's Inlet and Turnagain Point but the Terror was beset by ice for nearly a year (August 1837-July 1837), drifting in the pack off northeast Southampton Island. Arctic Bibliography 850; Hill 44; Ricks p.30; Sabin 2617; Staton & Tremaine/TPL 2033.

Condition Report

Auction Specialist