Ten Coloured Views taken during the Arctic Expedition of Her Majesty’s Ships "Enterprise" and "Investigator," under the command of Captain Sir James Ross, R.N., KT., F. R.S., drawn by W.H. Browne, Esq., Lieut. R.N., late of H.M.S. "Enterprise". On Stone by Charles Haghe. With a summary of the various Arctic Expeditions in Search of Captain Sir John Franklin, K.T., K.C.H., and his companions in H.M. Ships "Erebus" and "Terror

London: Ackerman and Co, 1850. Folio. (14 1/2 x 0 3/4 inches). 10 tinted lithographed views on 7 leaves, by Charles Hague after drawings by W.H. Browne. Publisher's green cloth, front board stamped in gilt

First edition of one of the three major Franklin search plate books. William Browne's outstanding depictions of the Arctic.

Fine lithograph views, several of which capture Prince Leopold Island. Other plates depict Uppernavik, the Southern Depot, and the Devil's Thumb. Together with text in English and French summarizing the Franklin search expeditions in the central Canadian Arctic. Browne served on board the Investigator, and (truncated) in addition to producing the present views, led one of the four search parties sent out by Ross during the short spring of 1849. Browne returned to the Arctic in May 1850 on the expedition led by Captain Austin. The first indications of the fate of Franklin and his men were found by this expedition on August 23rd 1850. The present is one of three major Franklin search plate books, together with Cresswell and May. The views are: 1. Great Glacier, near Uppernavik 2. Fiord near Uppernavik, Ravine near Port Leopold 3. The Bivouac (Cape Sippings) 4. NE Cape of America and Part of Leopold Island, Termination of the Cliffs near Whaler Pt Port Leopold 5. The Sledges Arriving at the Southern Depot 6. Remarkable Appearance in the Sky Always Opposite the Sun, The Devils Thumb, Ships Boring and Warping in the Pack 7. Noon in Mid-Winter (Pt Leopold)

Abbey, Travel II 637; Arctic Bibliography 2344; Sabin 8678; TPL 3047 and 73366. (Inventory #: 41967)