Sherlvocke's A Voyage Round the World By the Way of the Great South Sea - Volume with 3 Engravings

Sherlvocke's A Voyage Round the World By the Way of the Great South Sea - Volume with 3 Engravings
This historic volume is Captain George Sherlvocke's A Voyage Round the World By the Way of the Great South Sea, Perform'd in the Years 1719, 20, 21, 22 in the Speedwell of London, of 24 Guns and 100 Men (under His Majesty's Commission to cruize on the Spaniards in the late War with the Spanish Crown) till she was cast away on the Island of Juan Fernandes, in May 1720; and afterwards continu'd in the Recovery [sic], the Jesus Maria and Sacra Familia, &c. The work was published in London in 1726 for J. Senex, W. and J. Innys, and J. Osborn and T. Longman.

The volume is bound in full calf with gold gilt details to spine and boards with 5 raised bands. There are three engravings: one is a large fold out map of the world, fold out engraving of sea lion or elephant seal, and engraving of man chasing a bull.

Captain George Shelvocke (1675-1742) was an English privateer that joined the Royal Navy at the age of 15. He wrote this work detailing his exploits to loot Spanish Ships along the coast of South America during the War of the Quadruple Alliance under letters of marque. The Speedwell was wrecked in 1720 on Selkirk Island (now Robinson Crusoe Island) where he and his crew rebuilt the boat. When he eventually returned to England he was tried for piracy but acquitted, likely getting away with stealing a significant amount of the looted items. This work helped him re-establish his reputation.

Provenance: Sir J. T. Hooker, 1906.


Paper Size: ~ 5" by 8"


Paper Type or Special Features: Volume with 3 Engravings

The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. The author's name is misspelled to "Shelvocke" on the spine. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.