KING, Richard (1811?-1876). Narrative of a Journey to the Shores of the Arctic Ocean, in 1833,... 1835; under the Command of Capt Back, R.N. London: Richard Bentley, 1836.

2 volumes, 8vo (188 x 114 mm). Half-title in vol. I; 4 engraved plates, including one map. (Some spotting and browning to a few leaves and plates; lacking list of plates.) Modern blue half morocco stamp-signed by Aquarius. Provenance: London Literary & Scientific Society (presentation inscription, see below, effaced stamps); City of London Institution (stamps to frontispieces); collector's bookplate, a few pencil marks.

FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY KING: "Presented by the Author to the London Literary & Scientific Institution...with grateful thanks for the generous use of its theatre, to propose [in a] Public Meeting, a further survey of the Northern Coast of North America."

King served as surgeon and naturalist on the Back expedition that descended the Back River to the arctic coast of Canada. "King's experience in the country inspired him with a strong urge to return to the North and resume the exploration of the arctic coast from the points where he and Back had been obliged to return. He immediately addressed a proposal to the Government for continuing the work, but after a lapse of some months was informed it was "Not their intention to promote further discoveries in the Arctic Regions." King then attempted to interest the general public in his scheme and induce them to subscribe the funds necessary for its execution, but the support he received was inadequate" (George M. Douglas, Encyclopedia Arctica, Vol. V, pp. 441-2).

King claimed that Back's own account, published earlier the same year, included much of his own research and observations without giving credit to him; he sought redress in this work. According to Field, "[King] does not attempt to conceal the chagrin he felt, at the cool absorption of his own careful researches in the narrative of Captain Back." Arctic Bibliography 8708; Field 831; Sabin 37831 (calling for 7 plates); Staton & Tremaine/TPL 1899.