Lot 3221: COOKE, GEORGE. 1781-1834.

Scenery of the East India Islands, Etc. A Series of Views of the most Remarkable Localities, celebrated for Picturesque Beauty or Historical and other Associations. [London: Longman, Hurst, plates dated 1811-1813.] [2 leaves] + 26 engraved plates. Oblong folio (216 x 273 mm). Original printed wrappers. Lower margin with 3 small wormholes, small dampstain affecting outer margin on about 8 plates, some soiling and fraying to wrappers.

Rare collection of South Seas views engraved by George Cooke. These engravings were later used to illustrate Pinkerton’s comprehensive Best and Most Interesting Voyages and Travels, but this separate, advance publication is surprisingly rare. Includes views of Tahiti, Hawaii, New Zealand, New Guinea and the Marquesas, and has a fine view of Sydney and the mouth of the Parramatta River after the French artist Charles Alexandre Lesueur. Not in the standard bibliographies. Only one copy appears in ABPC since 1976.
See illustration.