As can be seen in the online images the leather wrap around has many signs of its extreme age, but remarkably is still complete. The text pages are complete and all are present with a few pages showing evidence of light water staining. There are several additional blank pages bound in at the end, some with vertical lines ruled for accounts and others with a few with pen notes or calculations which can also be found on the last page and the inside back cover. The names James Bald appears twice in manuscript on those pages, and may well be the name of the original owner.

Light foxing to blank end papers. Small peripheral stain affecting first sixteen pages but restricted to the outer margin i.e. not affecting any text. Other spots of foxing throughout but none diminish the ability to read all pages clearly or easily. The text overall is one of the best we have seen. The covers while in good condition are splitting at the front and may benefit from having the leather replaced. Overall, a very pleasing and rare volume.

The document is complete with no holes or tears. It has been folded several times but these folds have not broken the surface. Light overall foxing but does not detract from the legibility form the whole document which is an extremely attractive very early Australian example.

The binding, while original is split at the rear edges of the front and back covers and the spine has deteriorated quite substantially. The text pages are overall in extremely good condition with no creases, foxing or losses. The woodblock frontis piece and the illustrated title page are both in very good condition. For accuracy we mention that the last blank pages are held in place by later tape (not affecting any of the text pages). Overall 14.5cm high, 9.3cm wide, 1.5cm deep.

This volume retains the original cloth covered boards with printed label and original coloured end papers, although all are somewhat affected by age, it is remarkable to find them all intact. The folding map opposite the title page is intact but shows evidence of light water staining; hand-written previous owner’s name to top of title. The text pages are otherwise complete, in excellent condition and with only or two spots of foxing noted throughout.

Both volumes present very well externally, although volume II appears to be more rubbed on the spine and the green leather plaque is a little faded as compared to volume I. The bindings are firm with attractive original end papers all intact. The text pages are complete with no evidence of foxing or any other faults.

Writing is clear and legible (very attractive). Well spaced entries of varying lengths in very good condition. Some foxing and toning in particular towards the end pages. Boards and binding rubbed and a little discoloured/grotty with age but complete and in fair to good condition. Some splitting and cracking to the interior hinge in several places but holding together well.

Overall very attractive with no tears, repairs or holes evident. Has not been inspected outside of the frame. Simple frame in good condition.

Frist edition as catalogued. The pages have been hinged, sewn and repaired. The book has been re-backed. The end pages are not original.

Written in ink with later emendments in pencil in the same hand. Spotting throughout with small loss to the last sheet. Overall very legible.

In very good condition, as new

The larger image of James Cook is the engraving by Halls from “The Picturesque Atlas of Australasia”; The second and smaller image is a hand-coloured version of the same portrait surrounded by cartouches depicting scenes of his voyages. We are not sure of the origin.

All in as new condition.