This work describes the first British missionary voyage to the South Pacific upon the HMS Duff. The ship, commanded by Capt. John Wilson, had aboard members of the London Missionary Society and their families, who were resettled in the South Pacific on the islands of Tahiti, Tonga and the Marquesas from 1796-98. During his travels, Capt. Wilson discovered the archipelago of Mangareva, which he named Gambier in honor of the British admiral sponsoring the expedition. The work compiles the journals of the officers and the missionaries, illustrated by 6 (of 7) maps and 6 views:

Maps:
1. Chart of the Island and Harbour of Tongataboo. Condition: Folding, with light offsetting and foxing and a stain at bottom left. (B)
2. Chart of Gambier's Islands. Condition: Light offsetting with some foxing along the fold. (B)
3. Chart of the Marquesas. Condition: Light offsetting with a few spots of foxing. (B)
4. The Island of Otaheite According to the Survey Taken by Cap. Cook 1769, Corrected by His Later Astronomical Observations. Condition: Moderate foxing with light offsetting from opposing page of text. (B)
5. Chart of Part of the Feejee Islands. Condition: A few spots of foxing with light offsetting from opposing page of text. (B+)
6. Sketch of the Duff's Groupe, Discoverd September 25, 1797. Condition: Light, scattered foxing with light offsetting from opposing page of text. (B)

Views:
1. Harbour of Rio Janiero, with the Benedictine Monastery. Condition: Light soiling. (B+)
2. Missionary House and Environs in the Island of Otaheite. Condition: Moderate soiling with a 1" tear at top that has been archivally repaired. (B)
3. Taloo Harbour in the Island of Eimeo. Condition: Light soiling. (B+)
4. Great Morai of Temarre at Pappara in Otaheite. Condition: Light soiling. (B+)
5. Morai and Altar at Attahooro with the Eatooa and Tees. Condition: Light soiling. (B+)
6. The Afiatookas of Futtafaihe at Mooa in Tongataboo. Condition: Light soiling. (B+)

The map of the South Pacific is missing. 4to, 12, c, 395, 7pp. Contemporary quarter calf over marbled paper boards. Spine gilt with raised bands and morocco titling label.

References:

Condition: B

See above for condition descriptions of each map and view. The text has minor toning and light scattered foxing. The covers are moderately worn with bumped corners, the front cover detached, and the back cover nearly detached. The spine is cracked with several abrasions and small chips.