Description

Classic First Fleet Book: A beautiful and special set of the first edition of this classic First Fleet book, published as two separate volumes four years apart. The first volume, from a rare issue on thick paper, includes engraved vignettes bound as fold-out sheets. This edition is particularly handsome and in superb condition.

Author and Content: Collins, who arrived with the First Fleet as Judge-Advocate and Secretary to Governor Phillip, authored this valuable account of the early settlement. His book is often described as the earliest history of Australia as an English colony and contains the most detailed descriptions of the voyage and first settlement. The book features full-page engravings by Edward Dayes from sketches by convict artist Thomas Watling, including the first published views of British settlements at Sydney and Parramatta.

Rarity and Significance: The first volume, published in 1798, is scarce today, especially in the rare thick paper issue. The second volume is significant for its detailed chronicle of events, voyages, and expeditions of discovery. It includes the journals of Bass and Flinders, the first report of the koala, the earliest recorded sighting of a wombat, and the first description and illustration of the lyrebird in color.