A Voyage Round the World, In the Years MDCCXL, I, II, III, IV

London: Knapton, 1748. First Edition. hardcover. Illustrated with 42 fine copperplate engravings (38 folding charts, plates & plans, and 3 large folding maps). , 417 pages, plus; 2 page directions to the binder, often lacking. Thick 4to, contemporary calf, recased with black spine label (a very solid, clean and attractive copy; several plates dust-stained and worn at edges; one plate torn but with no paper loss). London: Printed for the Author by John and Paul Knapton, 1748. A very nice copy of the first edition.<br/><br/> George Anson (1697-1762) was a British Admiral known for his trip around the world. The book, compiled from notes by Richard Walter, details Anson's circumnavigational adventures during the War of Jenkins' Ear between Britain and Spain. Anson's task was to intercept Spanish ships and their cargo from the New World. During the voyage, Anson captured a Spanish galleon with a cargo worth 500,000 pounds and sacked Paita, Peru. Although he started out with eight ships, he returned with only one. Later in life, he became Admiral of the British Fleet and fought in the Seven Years' War. Included in the book are beautiful views of various ports and a few maps.<br/><br/>