History of the Otaheitean Islands, from their first discovery to the present time.

Including an account of the institutions, government, manners, customs, religion, & ceremonies of the people inhabiting the Society, the Friendly Islands, and the Marquesas. With an historical sketch of the Sandwich Islands. To which is added, an account of a mission to the Pacific Ocean, in the years 1796, 97, 98. Edinburgh : Printed by T. Maccliesh and Co. for Ogle and Aikman, Edinburgh ; M. Ogle, Glasgow ; and R. Ogle, London, 1800. Small octavo (193 x 116 mm), later half black calf over marbled papered boards, spine in compartments with gilt decoration and contrasting leather title label lettered in gilt; half-title with a later ownership signature, engraved frontispiece, [8], 300, with the original final blank; title-page with offsetting, occasional light spotting, a very good copy.

First edition of this ‘important summation of information on the Society and Hawaiian Islands at the beginning of the nineteenth century. The voyages of Cook, La Perouse, Portlock and Dixon, and Vancouver are discussed’. (Forbes)

Forbes 316; Ferguson 306