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Two volumes bound in one. vi,[2],263; [1],169pp., plus thirteen (of fourteen) engraved plates and maps. Lacks the folding map, supplied in photocopy. Contemporary calf, gilt morocco label. Calf rubbed and edgeworn. Early bookplate on front pastedown. Tanned and foxed, as usual. Map badly torn, with only about one quarter remaining (reduced size photocopy laid in). A good, serviceable copy. The uncommon first edition of this important narrative which, according to Hill, "was suppressed and is a very rare book." Porter, without authorization, took the Essex around the Cape, and was the only American commander to sail against the British in the Pacific Ocean during the War of 1812. He inflicted much damage on British shipping and whaling enterprises, and showed the flag along the coast and in the islands, although the government never followed up on his annexation of Nuku Hiva, in the Marquesas. An 1822 edition provided some additional text. The other illustrations include portraits of islanders, breadfruit, etc. This book is quite rare, and in our experience, always in poor condition and lacking some plates. This may be happenstance, but others of experience tell us the same thing. Thus, the rather worn condition of this copy may be about as good as it gets. HOWES P484. HILL 1371. SABIN 64218. FORBES 447. SHAW & SHOEMAKER 35674. Seller Inventory # WRCAM3834
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