BOUGAINVILLE (Hyacinthe), baron de - Lot 469

BOUGAINVILLE (Hyacinthe), baron de Journal de la navigation autour du globe de la frégate La Thétis et de la corvette L'Espérance pendant les années 1824, 1825 et 1826, publié par ordre du Roi sous les auspices du département de la Marine. Paris, Arthus Bertrand, 1837. 2 volumes in-4 of text. Some spotting - A large atlas in folio with 56 plates (some in color, including natural history), and double-page or folding maps. Scattered foxing, light banding in outer margin without damage to engravings at beginning, with damage to maps and plates in fine (except large fold-out map no. 56 without damage), a few browned leaves. Post-edition green ½ chagrin with 19th-century filleted corners, ornate smooth spines, rubbing and minor defects. Text and atlas from the first edition of this round-the-world journal. Bougainville's round-the-world expedition from 1824 to 1826 had an essentially political and diplomatic aim, to show the King's flag in the seas and to develop feelings of esteem and friendship for France". La Thétis rounded the Cape of Good Hope before arriving at Bourbon Island, where she met up with the corvette l'Espérance from Rio de Janeiro. Bougainville then headed for Singapore via Pondicherry, the Strait of Malacca, Manila and Macao. The expedition then reached the western coast of Australia, arriving in Sydney. The two ships then crossed the Pacific to Valparaiso. After rounding Cape Horn, it was on to Rio de Janeiro, before returning to France and arriving in Brest on June 23, 1826. The considerable collection of natural history and ornithological specimens brought back by the expedition would be recognized as one of the most important ever seen in France. First edition of this extraordinary voyage. (Sabin, 6875).