Franklin, John. NARRATIVE OF A JOURNEY TO THE SHORES OF THE POLAR SEA, IN THE YEARS 1819, 20, 21, AND 22. London: John Murray, 1823. 4to. xv, [1], 783, [1] pp. plus 31 plates (11 hand-colored or aquatint) and 4 folding maps (1 partially hand-colored.) Note, other examples referenced contain 30 plates rather than the 31 present here. Bound in early 1/2 calf over marbled boards, with spine lettered in gilt. ******* An important work describing Franklin’s first voyage to explore the American north coast east of the Coppermine River. The treacherous journey would go on for three years and would come to be known as "one of the most terrible journeys on record, many of the party dying from cold, hunger, or murder" (Hill 635.) As far as achieving its purpose, the ill-fated journey was a spectacular failure, but it captured the public's attention and Franklin was hailed as a hero.Printed the same year as the first, this is the second issue, which was expanded – not to be confused with the stated second edition issued in octavo.

Binding with wear to extremities and some small scuffs to spine. Contents clean overall with some occasional light foxing. A Very Good example.