Voyage in Search of La Perouse, Performed by order of the Constituent Assembly, During the Years 1791, 1792, 1793 and 1794

8vo [21.5 x 14 cm]; 2 volumes, xxxii, [33] - 487; 344, 105, [vi, ads] pp, 45 engraved plates including frontis's, large folding map (short tear at stub), tables. contemporary half calf, marbled boards, red leather title labels, joints split, one board just holding, worn at edges, corners, bookplate of George Knight, light foxing on some leaves, but overall clean, text blocks tight, a very good set. A picture of th Hill p. 168: "Labillardiere was aboard the expedition under d'Entrecasteaux which was sent out to search for the missing Laperouse. Although unsuccessful in the search, the voyage was of considerable importance due to the scientific observations made and also for surveys of the coasts of Tasmania, New Caledonia, the north coast of New Guinea, and the southwest coast of Australia. Labillardiere's account of the Tongans is among the best contributions to the ethnology of that people." Cox 69: "of considerable importance. . . Labillardiere gives the first scientific description of the New Zealand flax and brought back several New Zealand plants." The plates include plants, birds, native peoples.