Account of a Voyage of Discovery to the West Coast of Corea, and the Great Loo-Choo Island...

London: John Murray, 1818. This is the first edition of the first western book on Korea, "With an Appendix, Containing Charts, and Various Hydrographical and Scientific Notices, and A Vocubulary of the Loo-Choo language, by H. J. Clifford." According to Hill, "Korea had been sketchily explored by Europeans, but it was not until the 'Alceste' and 'Lyra' expedition in 1816-17.that detailed information was obtained about the Ryukyus." See Hill p. 134. NMM I 523. Abbey Travel, 558. Brunet III 21. Cordier IV 3009. His ship, the "Alceste," was wrecked in the Gaspar Strait on the homeward voyage. Hall achieved the rank of Post Captain in the Royal Navy, then went on to a second career as a travel writer and explorer. This copy has been rebound in 1/4 leather over marbled boards with spine labels and raised bands. Text, plates, and maps are all present and all in fine condition.. 27 cm. xv, (1 Directions for Binder and Errata), 222, (v)-cxxx, (72 Vocabulary) pp. b/w engraved plates and maps, some folding, hand colored aquatints. (Inventory #: 48101)