This is the second English edition of Kotzebue's important Russian exploration of the Pacific and coastline of North America in search of a Northwest Passage, with additional plates from the first translation. The expedition, the second of its kind for Russia, visited western South America, Easter Island, Hawaii, California, and the northwestern coast of North America including Alaska. The text includes a detailed account of California, along with descriptions of natives, flora and fauna found along the route. The text is illustrated by 4 folding maps and 15 plates (four in color, four folding) including "Inhabitants of Kotzbue Sound", "Tammeamea King of the Sandwich Islands", and "Dance of the Californians" to name a few. Folding maps include: Plan of the Groupe of Islands Rumanzoff (9.0 x 6.8"), Chart of Behring's Strait (7.8 x 7.6"), Chart of the Chain of Islands Radack and Ralick (9.0 x 7.3"), and Chart of from the 14th Degree of S. Lat to the 16th... (15.0 x 7.8"). 220 pages, 2 parts in one. Hardbound in quarter leather over maroon pebbled boards. Published by Sir Richard Phillips in London. According to Howes, another Phillips edition also published in 1821 contains the same 4 maps with 8 plates.

References: Sabin #38292; Howes #K258.

Condition: B+

The maps and plates are very good to near fine with light toning, occasional offsetting, and a few spots of foxing. Text is clean and tight, and a previous owner's bookplate is present on the front pastedown. The covers have light wear, the front hinge is starting, and the spine is chipped.