Narrative of the Surveying Voyage of H.M.S Fly, Commanded by Captain F.P. Blackwood, R.N. in Torres Strait, New Guinea, and other Islands of the Eastern Archipelago, during the years 1842-1846: Together with an Excursion into the Interior Part of Java

J Beete Jukes

Published by T and W Boone, London, 1847

About this Item

A lovely example of the first edition of this important exploration narrative. One of the earliest accounts of coastal Australia, this work is famed for its descriptions of the Great Barrier Reef. Written by Joseph Beete Jukes, a renowned geologist who served as the naturalist on the expedition referred to in these pages. This work is Jukes' own narrative of that voyage, which was commanded by Captain F P Blackwood. This was the first British expedition to be despatched to Australia on a surveying mission. Illustrated, with a frontispiece, nine plates, a folding chart of the Great Barrier Reef and fifteen vignettes to volume I. A frontispiece, eight plates, a map of the Eastern End of the Island of Java and three vignettes to volume II. Collated, these volumes have been bound without the publisher's adverts as is usual. Jukes notes that he originally sought for this work to be a complete journal of his voyage from 1842 to 1846. However he had 'no wish to repeat what might be already known, and no desire to re-describe scenes already familiar'. The purpose and results of the trip are explained in the extensive Appendix. With a detailed map of the north-east coast from Endeavour River north to New Guinea. This work has an entire chapter on the natural history of the Great Barrier Reef and his observations his observations align with Darwin's theory of the formation of coral reefs. A truly fascinating account by this noted naturalist regarding his ethnological observations and notes of natural history regarding the area. In a smart half calf binding. In contemporary half calf bindings with paper covered boards. Externally, generally smart with light rubbing to the joints and extremities. Spines have faded slightly. Front endpaper to volume I is detached but present. Otherwise, internally firmly bound. Pages are generally bright. Chip to the bottom corner of page xi, only affecting the margin. Just the odd spots to pages. The plates and folding map/chart(s) are in a bright condition. Very Good. Seller Inventory # 655L20

Bibliographic Details

Title: Narrative of the Surveying Voyage of H.M.S ...

Publisher: T and W Boone, London

Publication Date: 1847

Binding: Leather

Illustrator: Mr Melville

Condition: Very Good

Edition: First edition.

Book Type: book