Narrative of a Voyage in the South Seas – Peter Dillon – 1829 | First Edition, 2 Vols, Plates

Peter Dillon’s Narrative and Successful Result of a Voyage in the South Seas, printed in 1829, recounts the expedition sent by British India to learn the fate of La Pérouse. Dillon’s findings on Vanikoro confirmed the loss of the French ships with the recovery of a bell, sword guard, and hull remains. The work spans two volumes in one original brown morocco tome. It includes three engravings (two folding). Dillon also describes Pacific cultures, especially in Tonga, and draws on events tied to the Bounty and Pandora. His first-person style and plain documentation appeal to collectors drawn to rare 19th-century travel works.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Narrative and Successful Result of a Voyage in the South Seas, Performed by Order of the Government of British India, to Ascertain the Actual Fate of La Pérouse’s Expedition
• Author(s): Peter Dillon
• Publisher: London, Hurst, Chance
• Edition: First Edition, 1829
• Format: Octavo (8vo), two volumes in one
• Binding: Full textured leather
• Size: 8.75 in × 5.5 in (22 cm × 13.5 cm)
• Collation: Vol. I: lxxviii, [2], 302; Vol. II: [2], 436
• Illustrations: Three engravings (two folding)
• Contents Include:
  • Account of official South Seas voyage
  • Descriptions of Vanikoro, Tonga, and island cultures
  • Material tied to the Bounty and Pandora voyages
• Provenance: Bookplate of C. Cruz Montt
• Reference(s): Hill 480

Condition:

Good. Bound in full leather, worn at corners and hinges, with a split at the bottom of spine. Moderate rubbing along edges. Mild to moderate foxing and staining throughout. All engravings present.

Why Collect This?

• First edition detailing the La Pérouse expedition’s fate

• Includes all engravings, including both folding plates
• Considerably valuable and desirable Pacific Ocean description

Item Number: #28822