Antique Prints, Maps, & Books of Natural History, Botanicals, & More
Lot 65062:
Description
This first edition engraving is from Arthur Phillip’s
The Voyage of Governor Phillip to Botany Bay; with an Account of the Establishment of the Colonies of Port Jackson & Norfolk Island. The work was published in London in 1789. This work was a classic account of the first western settlement in Australia.
Rodney Davidson considered the work "the authentic record of the first settlement the work’s importance cannot be over-emphasised, and no collection can be complete without a copy." The text describes early expeditions into the interior around Botany Bay and Port Jackson, and the earliest coastal exploration. The natural history plates are mostly after drawings and possibly specimens sent back to London by John White.
"Phillip was given the task of founding a convict settlement in Australia, and became the first governor of New South Wales. Reaching Botany Bay in 1788, Via Tenerife, Rio de Janiero and the Cape of Good Hope, Phillip decided that the site was unsatisfactory and sailed to Port Jackson, where he founded the city named Sydney, after Thomas Townshend, Viscount Sydney, secretary of state." (Hill)
Paper Size: ~ 10 1/8" by 8"
Condition report:
The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. The upper portion of the image is printed to the edge with the plate mark cropped from the binding process. 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.
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