[MARRA, John]
Journal of the Resolution's Voyage, in 1772, 1773, 1774, and 1775. On Discovery to the southern hemisphere, by which the non existence of an undiscovered continent ... is demonstratively proved. Also a journal of the Adventure's voyage, in the years 1772, 1773, and 1774. With an account of the separation of the two ships
London: 1775. Octavo. 1 folding engraved map, 5 engraved plates. Light dampstaining to a few leaves, some minor foxing.
Modern paneled calf, gilt leather label
"The first printed account of man's entry into the region south of the Antarctic circle" (Spence) and the earliest published complete account of Cook's second voyage, issued at least eighteen months prior to the official version. "A rare work ... contain[ing] details of many events not recorded in the official account, and a preface recording the causes which led Banks and his staff to withdraw from the expedition at the last moment. Accordingly it is a vital second voyage item..." (Davidson).
The second voyage included the first crossing of the Antarctic circle, making Marra's narrative the earliest firsthand account of the Antarctic, and the engraved plates are the first depictions of that region. Due to the strict regulations against private publications, the work was published anonymously, but the identity of the author did not remain a mystery for long. "Correspondence between Cook and the Admiralty shows that the author was John Marra, one of the gunners' mates in the Resolution. He was an Irishman whom Cook had picked up at Batavia during the first voyage. He made an abortive attempt to desert at Tahiti on 14 May 1774, an escapade of which Cook took so lenient a view that he says - 'I know not if he might have obtained my consent, if he had applied for it in proper time.' This did not, however, as Marra states at p. 241, prevent his being put in irons..." (Holmes). A few copies of this work were extra-illustrated with an additional map not present here. This extra map has been present in only 3 of the 25 copies sold at auction in the last 30 years or so.
Bagnall 630; Beaglehole II, pp.cliii-clv; Beddie 1270; Conrad p.13; Davidson p.60; Hill (2004) 1087; Hocken, p.14; Holmes 16; Kroepelien 809; O'Reilly-Reitman 379; Rosove 214.A1b; Sabin 16247; Spence 758; Streeter Sale 2408.
Item #28616
Price: $9,500.00