The Original Astronomical Observations, made in the course of a Voyage towards the South Pole, and Round the World, In His Majesty's Ships the Resolution and Adventure.

First edition

London: W. and A. Strahan, 1777, 4to (288 x 223mm.), (2), lv (verso blank), (2), 385, verso Errata, with an engraved map and 3 plates, all folding or double-page, one plate has the margins extended without loss. Contemporary half calf, gilt decorated spine, marbled boards, morocco title label, a fine fresh example of a rare work.

William Wales and William Bayly were appointed by the Board of Longitude to accompany James Cook on his second voyage of 1772–75, with Wales accompanying Cook aboard the Resolution. Wales’ brother-in-law, Charles Green, had been the astronomer appointed by the Royal Society to observe the 1769 transit of Venus and had died during the return leg of Cook’s first voyage.

The primary objective of Wales and Bayly was to test Larcum Kendall’s K1 chronometer, based on the H4 of John Harrison. Wales compiled a log-book of the voyage, recording locations and conditions, the use and testing of the instruments entrusted to him, as well as making many observations of the people and places encountered on the voyage. The Original Astronomical Observations was published at the expense of the Board of Longitude.

Astronomer Royal, Nevil Maskelyne, interviewed the possible observers scheduled for another attempt and chose Wales and Bayly at a rate of 400 pounds per annum each. Wales “was the cleverest and one of the most amiable men in the Resolution,” a friend of the artist Hodges and also with Cook himself. Wales’s experiences on the voyage are said to have been the inspiration for Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Bayly did not enjoy such favour, or acclaim, but his participation in the voyage nonetheless produced valuable scientific discovery.

Following his return, Wales was commissioned to write the official astronomical account of Cook’s first voyage in 1778.Wales sailed with Cook on all three of his voyages and became Master of the Royal Mathematical School at Christ’s Hospital.He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1776 and amongst Wales’ pupils at Christ’s Hospital were Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Charles Lamb.

He was nominated by the First Lord of the Admiralty, Earl Spencer, and his appointment confirmed, 5 December 1795. He was appointed as Secretary of the Board of Longitude in 1795, serving in that position until his death in 1798.

A particularly fine crisp copy.

Cox I, 61, Beddie 1287; Holmes 26; Kroepelien 1336; Mitchell Library Cook 1287; Rosove Antarctica 342; Sabin 101029; Spence 1237. Not in Hill.