Complete set of the three voyages | 1773 - 1784, first edition set of all of Captain Cook's voyages, including the Atlas

The first edition of Captain Cook’s Voyages is a cornerstone in the history of exploration and cartography, making it highly significant for collectors. Here’s why:

1. Historical Significance: Cook’s voyages were pivotal in expanding European knowledge of the Pacific, including Australia, New Zealand, the Hawaiian Islands, and parts of North America. His expeditions provided crucial insights into uncharted territories, reshaping the European understanding of the Southern Hemisphere and beyond. These volumes contain the official records of those voyages, as documented from Cook’s own journals.
2. First-Hand Accounts: The first edition offers a direct link to one of history’s greatest navigators and explorers. The set includes detailed observations about indigenous peoples, flora, fauna, and geography, recorded in real-time by Cook and his crew. For collectors, owning a first edition means holding the original account of these monumental discoveries.
3. Engravings and Maps: The first edition is celebrated for its extensive collection of engraved maps, charts, and plates. These images are not just decorative; they serve as some of the earliest and most accurate depictions of the newly encountered lands and cultures. For example, the depiction of Tahiti, the Antarctic Circle, and the mapping of Australia and New Zealand were groundbreaking in their time.
4. Collector’s Prestige: A complete first edition set is rare, especially when it contains all plates and charts intact. As a foundational work in travel literature and maritime exploration, it holds immense prestige in any collection of rare books or exploration history.
5. Cultural Impact: Beyond exploration, Cook’s voyages had a profound impact on the cultures he encountered and on global trade, science, and politics. His detailed records of interactions with indigenous peoples provide an important historical perspective, making these volumes significant not just for their content, but for their broader influence on the course of history.
6. Rarity and Value: First editions, especially complete sets in good condition, are scarce and highly sought after by collectors. With time, the value of these volumes has increased steadily, making them both a cultural treasure and a sound investment.

Adding a first edition of Captain Cook’s Voyages to a collection is to possess a critical piece of the historical narrative of exploration, one that bridges the gap between the Old World and the New. For any serious collector of travel literature or maritime history, this set is essential.

Below I delve into detail on each voyage and the description and condition of each volume:

Cook (James), Hawkesworth (John)
An Account of the Voyages undertaken by the Order of His Present Majesty for Making Discoveries in the Southern Hemisphere, And successively performed by Commodore Byron, Captain Carteret, Captain Wallis, and Captain Cook, First Edition.

Description (Volume One):
First edition, 1773, of An Account of the Voyages, a seminal work documenting the first of Captain James Cook’s expeditions, edited by John Hawkesworth. This three-volume set contains the official accounts of the voyages undertaken by Byron, Wallis, Carteret, and Cook, as ordered by the British government, with Cook’s first voyage commanding HMS Endeavour being the highlight. The voyage led to crucial discoveries in the Southern Hemisphere, notably in the Pacific, and established Cook as one of the greatest explorers of his time. The set includes a beautiful engraved frontispiece portrait of Captain Cook by J.K. Sherwin after N. Dance Holland, 25 (mostly folding) maps and charts, and 27 folding plates.

The publication of this official account was designed to enhance Britain’s prestige as a leading maritime power, with Hawkesworth polishing the raw narratives provided by the explorers. According to Hill, Hawkesworth was tasked with elevating the style to reflect the importance of these government-sponsored expeditions.

This set is particularly notable for including the Chart of the Straits of Magellan in Volume I, which is missing from some early first edition copies. Provenance: Castle Goring.

References: Cox I, p.19; Hill 782; Sabin 30934; Beddie 648; Henze II, p.713; Kroepelien 535.
Condition:
Contemporary gilt calf with matching modern gilt backstrip and contrasting morocco lettering pieces. Slight foxing throughout, more noticeable in volumes II and III, with occasional offsetting. Light wormholing in the margins of Volume II and some minor staining. Covers are lightly spotted, but overall a desirable copy.

Cook (James)
A Voyage Towards the South Pole and Round the World, Performed in His Majesty's Ships the Resolution and Adventure, First Edition.

Description (Volume Two):
First edition, 1777, of Cook’s second voyage, published by W. Strahan and T. Cadell, London. This two-volume set recounts Cook’s ground-breaking expedition to circumnavigate the globe as far south as possible, with the aim of finding Terra Australis, the elusive southern landmass. Cook’s exploration led him to cross the Antarctic Circle for the first time in history, dispelling the myth of a large southern continent. Along the way, he made numerous discoveries, including Easter Island, Tahiti, the Society Islands, the Marquesas, New Caledonia, and South Georgia.

This set is complete with all 64 plates, including maps, charts, plans, and fold-out illustrations, many of which depict Cook’s significant discoveries. The frontispiece features a portrait of Cook, and a fold-out map has been repaired at the original fold line.

Condition:
A handsome set in brown tree calf, with gilt spines and morocco labels. The plates and maps remain in excellent condition, with no foxing thanks to the superior quality of the paper. A previous owner's signature and bookplate are present on the paste-downs, along with minor pencil notes. The fold-out map and frontispiece have been professionally repaired.

Cook (James) and King (James)
A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean, Undertaken by Command of His Majesty for Making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere, First Edition.

Description (Volume Three):
First edition, 1784, of Cook’s third and final voyage, performed under the direction of Captains Cook, Clarke, and Gore. This three-volume set chronicles Cook’s mission to determine the extent of the west coast of North America, its distance from Asia, and the feasibility of a northern passage between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Despite Cook’s tragic death in Hawaii during the expedition, this voyage significantly expanded the knowledge of the Pacific Northwest, as well as the Arctic regions.

The volumes include 24 engraved maps and plans, many folding, detailing the geographic discoveries made throughout the voyage. Occasional offsetting and toning are present, but the set is overall well-preserved.

Condition:
Lightly rubbed, with some offsetting in the text. A clean and desirable set.

Webber (John) et al.
Atlas to A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean

Description (Atlas):
This rare folio-sized atlas, published in 1784, accompanies Cook's third voyage and contains 61 engraved plates and two engraved maps. These plates provide visual documentation of the lands and peoples encountered during the expedition, serving as a powerful visual record of Cook’s final voyage. The atlas is particularly valued for its large format and detailed engravings by John Webber, Cook's official artist.

Condition:
Contemporary boards, with some damp staining and foxing throughout. The plates remain mostly intact, though the edges of the final section are worn. A remarkable visual supplement to Cook's narrative.