The Wonders of Nature and Art (in 12 volumes) Or, A Concise Account of whatever is most curious and remarkable in the world; whether relating to its animal, Vegetable, and mineral productions, or the the manufacturers, buildings, and inventions of its inhabitants compiled and illustrated with the discoveries of modern travelers.
London: J. Walker, 1803-4. First edition. Hardcover. Ferguson 398, containing a full account of New South Wales in volume XI (pp 113-282) likely to be based on David Collins' , "An Account of the English Colony in New South Wales...". There is much on the Pacific, including New Zealand & Hawaii:
Volume XI contents include Tahiti, with a copperplate view of an Otaheitean morai (pp1 -26); the Sandwich Islands or Hawaii, with a copperplate engraving of a man of the Sandwich Islands dancing (pp 27-90); Reflections On The State of the Southern Islands (pp 90 - 113). Volume XII includes the history of New Zealand after Cook (15pp), Nootka Sound, (37pp) and the Pelew Islands after Wilson's account (76pp). There is a total of 35 exquisite and finely executed engravings.
12 volumes, 12mo, each volume approximately 280pp long, with copperplate engravings. The text and plates are extremely clean. Bound in matched contemporary full tree calf with gilt spines, green leather title labels & gilt outer dentelles. A bit rubbed with some worming on some boards, two title labels with substantial loss, two with minor loss, and the rest complete. A superbly produced and rare illustrated travel series published over a two-year span (volumes 1-7 bearing 1803 date and volumes 8-12 with 1804). Provenance Strathallan (bookplate). John David Drummond, 17th Earl of Perth (1907 - 2002), Viscount Strathallan, was a Scottish peer and politician who served as Minister of State for Colonial Affairs under Harold Macmillan. Very good condition. Item #18226
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