Memoirs of the Life and Travels of John Ledyard, from his Journals and Correspondence
London, Henry Colburn, 1828 (first UK edition)/ [1828].
Octavo, [iii]-xii, 428 pages (lacking the half-title).
Later binder's cloth lettered and ruled in gilt on the spine, all edges cut and lightly speckled red; cloth slightly rubbed, bumped and marked; edges a little marked; hinges neatly reinforced; scattered foxing (generally light) and mild signs of age and handling; trifling marginal loss to a handful of leaves (a legacy of inexpert opening of uncut leaves prior to rebinding); early ink ownership signature on the title page; overall, a very good copy.
American adventurer John Ledyard (1751-1789) was a marine on Captain James Cook's third voyage, and three chapters of the book are devoted to this voyage, including Cook's death. After deserting during the American War of Independence Ledyard travelled extensively, including an abortive attempt to explore the west coast of North America by travelling eastwards overland on foot across Russia. He was arrested in eastern Siberia and deported, before reaching the Bering Strait.
Item #139425
Price (AUD):
$950.00