Antique Prints, Maps, & Books of Natural History, Botanicals, & More
Lot 9622:
Description
This first edition work with 65 originally hand-colored engravings is Dr. John White’s
Journal of a Voyage to New South Wales with Sixty-five Plates of Non Descript Animals, Birds, Lizards, Serpents, Curious Cones of Trees and other Natural Productions. This first edition work was published in London in 1790 by J. Debrett.
Dr. John White (c1756-1832) was born in Ireland, but would serve in the Royal Navy for England. White would become the chief surgeon on the voyage to New South Wales, an expedition to establish a convict settlement at Botany Bay. He took great interest in the natural history of the new colony. The plates were devoted to "non descript animals, birds, lizards, serpents, curious cones of trees and other natural productions." White "produced an extremely interesting account of the voyage of the First Fleet and of early life in New South Wales … containing many circumstances omitted by Governor Arthur Phillip … and other contemporary authors." (Hill) “White’s
Journal is of key importance to any collection of Australiana and is essential to a collection of Foundation books" (Wantrup 17).
The volume includes the engraved title page, list of subscribers, 65 hand-colored engraved plate. It is bound in contemporary gilt-ruled calf, spine gilt extra. A convict on the voyage, Thomas Watling, is believed to be the artist for many of the drawings. Sarah Stone completed the majority of the bird drawings from specimens sent back to England.
Paper Size: ~ 9 1/2" by 11 3/4"
Paper Type or Special Features: Volume with 65 Hand-colored Engravings
Condition report:
The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. There is some scuffing to the binding. There are some nicks / loss at the spine or edges of board. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.
Share this lot:
