Hispania Rare Books
Antiquarian Books from the Hispanic world
Byron’s narrative of the loss of HMS Wager in Patagonia. First Ed. London 1768
£750.00
John Byron
The Narrative of the honourable John Byron containing an account of the great distresses suffered by himself and his companions on the Coast of Patagonia from the year 1740, till their Arrival in England, 1746. With a description of St Jago de Chili, and the Manners and Customs of the Inhabitants.
London: S. Baker and G. Leigh, in York Street; and T. davies, in Russel Street, Covent Garden. 1768.
First edition, 8vo, pp VIII+ 257, three quarter calf, marbled boards, engraved frontispiece.
John Byron’s enormously successful narrative of the wreck of the Wager, on which he served as midshipman. On 14 May 1741, HMS Wager was shipwrecked on the coast of Chile on what is now called Wager Island , guided by a Chono indian, Byron and three companions, made the epic crossings of Patagonia until they reached Chiloe Island.
Condition: minor signs of age and use, lightly browned, page 127 with old crossed out sentence and manuscript “omit this sentence”, later rebound. Very good. Please see pictures.
