Franklin, Sir John | A fine set of the narratives of his first and second voyages to the Polar Sea

Franklin, Sir John

Narrative of a Journey to the Shores of the Polar Sea, in the Years 1819, 20, 21, and 22 … With an Appendix on various subjects relating to Science and Natural History [by John Richardson]. London: John Murray, 1823

4to (272 x 218 mm). Half-title, 4 folding engraved plates, 30 engraved plates after lieutenants Hood and Back by Finden (11 handcolored), errata slip at end; occasional offsetting or spotting. Superb retrospective speckled calf, smooth spine densely gilt with red and green morocco labels, plain endpapers, yellow edges.

REFERENCES:

Abbey, Travel 635; Arctic Bibliography 5194; Field 560; Sabin 25624; Staton & Tremaine 1248

[With:] Narrative of a Second Expedition to the Shores of the Polar Sea, in the Years 1825, 1826, and 1827 … Including an Account of the Progress of a Detachment to the Eastward, by John Richardson. London: John Murray, 1828

4to (272 x 211 mm). 6 folding engraved maps (one partially handcolored in outline), 31 engraved plates after lieutenants Back and Kendall by Finden; very occasional offsetting or spotting. Bound uniformly with the above.

REFERENCES:

Abbey, Travel 635; Arctic Bibliography 5198; Field 561; Sabin 26228; Staton & Tremaine 1434

First editions of the official narratives of Franklin's two expeditions into the Canadian Arctic and through the islands of the Arctic Archipelago, expeditions into the Canadian Arctic, and through the islands of the Arctic Archipelago. "[The first] journey was made to the mouth of the Coppermine River, largely overland and with the aid of canoes. The coast east of the mouth was surveyed. It is one of the most terrible journeys on record, many of the party dying from cold, hunger, or murder. The distance travelled was some 5,500 miles, and Franklin’s narrative at once became a classic of travel literature. Franklin’s second overland expedition made its departure from Fort Franklin on the Great Bear Lake. He traced the North American coast from the Mackenzie River to longitude 149° 37’ W., while John Richardson’s party explored the coast between the mouths of the Mackenzie and the Coppermine. The two expeditions together added 1,200 miles of coast line to the knowledge of the American continent, and Franklin received several honours and became a popular hero. The views of the Arctic scenery in this work are noted for their beauty" (Hill collects ion of Pacific Voyages 635, 636).