KERGUELEN-TREMAREC, Yves Joseph de

Relation of two voyages in the southern and Indian seas, made in 1771, 1772, 1773 & 1774. Extract from the journal of his navigation for the discovery of the southern lands. Paris, Knapen & fils, 1782. In-8 (197 x 123 mm) of VIII, 244 pp. 2 ff.n.ch. of privilege, a large folding engraved map. Rooted calf, decorative gilt border, smooth spine decorated (contemporary binding). Sabin, 37618; Polak, 483; Howgego, I, K12, p. 566; Ryckebusch, vol. II, 4434, p. 111; Sydney & Spence, Antarctic Miscellany, 650, p. 79. Missing in Chadenat, Hill. First edition, very rare. The important account of Kerguelen's two significant voyages. On his first voyage, Kerguelen discovered and mapped the inhospitable island of Kerguelen, four years before Cook's visit. His irresponsible declaration of the value of his discovery secured his second command, a circumnavigation emphasizing scientific as well as geographical discovery to the South Pole in search of a southern continent in 1773-74. This voyage ended in disaster, with Kerguelen dismissed from service and imprisoned for six years following a series of grossly negligent episodes at sea. Kerguelen's two voyages finally proved to the French what Cook had already demonstrated - that the southern continent was a fiction - but more importantly, their disastrous outcome ensured that promotion in the French navy was now based on merit rather than descent. The map shows details of the Kerguelen Islands Southern Territories, with small views and profiles. Hole filled in the false title and in the title touching some letters, scattered foxing; spine and corners restored. Copy complete with its map. The first biography of Cook.