'Journal of Captain Cook's Last Voyage to the Pacific Ocean, on Discovery; performed in the Years 1776, 7, 8, and 9': The Gentleman's Magazine and Historical Chronicle 1781. Volume LI. For the Year MDCCLXXXI.
London: J. Nichols for D. Henry, 1781. Hardcover. Contains an important article on the death of Captain James Cook in a review of the first full account in English of Cook's third voyage, published three years earlier than the official account. The book is attributed to Lieutenant John Rickman, who served as second lieutenant on the 'Discovery', commanded by Charles Clerke. The article includes a description of the death of Cook in Hawaii and a commentary by the author.
Of the killing of Cook on the 14th of February, the author writes: "Capt. Cook, after shooting one of the natives, while he was aiming at another, having a double barrelled gun, was knocked down by a club, and then stabbed in the back by a pa-ha-hee, "a kind of poignard, made by our armourers, at the king's request, the day before". (p234). And he continues, in the second part of the article, with: "Thus ... ended the life of the greatest navigator that this or any other country could ever boast, after having successfully led his crews of gallant British seamen thrice round the world ..." (p278).
Other articles of interest include Progress of the War in America, Progress of General Arnold with 4 entries, including one describing the reward put on Arnold's head (p537),
Pennsylvania fireplaces designed by Benjamin Franklin when he lived in Philadelphia, with a folding copper engraved plate (p453), and a folding plan for a road to avoid Highgate Hill (p212). Other articles with folding plates include the Account by Commodore George Johnstone of his Engagement with the French fleet at Madeira (folding plate showing the Station of the Ships in Port Praya Bay), and Dr. Lindsay's new Theory of Water spouts.
One volume with the 12 monthly issues. 8vo, 633pp & [15]pp index, 15 copper plate engravings complete. Published in the May 1781 issue, the article runs from p. 231-4 & p. 278-9. Text block is printed slightly crooked on some pages. Nicely rebacked with red title label, 5 raised bands, the original marbled boards, new end papers. Some dusting internally.
See Beddie 1615 for Rickman's work. This review is not listed in Beddie. Beddie 1651 lists an article published in the London Magazine in Dec 1780 by "Periplus" "A Summary account of the voyage undertaken... the Resolution and Discovery...", referring to this as "a republication, with corrections to both account and chart, from July 1780 number of the magazine." Very good condition. Item #22693
Price: $500.00