£95
8vo, pp. xviii, [ii], 589, [1] + colour frontispiece, 5 plates and 1 folding map. Engraved title-page and other illustrations included within pagination. Contemporary half sheep, marbled boards, spine divided by double gilt rules and lettered direct in gilt. A little toned and spotted. Rubbed, some wear to extremities, spine sunned. Ownership inscription of Martha Dunn, Dalbeattie, dated 1837 and modern booklabel of James Biggar to flyleaves.
The major work of missionary John Williams (1796-1839), based upon his journal from his time preaching on the islands of Raiatea and Rurutu in Polynesia. He returned to England in 1834 after 17 years in the south seas and undertook a series of lecture tours to drum up interest in his work. 'His book, illustrated by the printmaker George Baxter, was to become the most popular work on the Pacific islands since the Voyages of Captain James Cook; within six years 38,000 copies had been sold' (ODNB). Subsequent solicited donations allowed him to purchase another ship and sail to the New Hebrides, present-day Vanuatu, to proselytise there, but immediately upon landing he was killed and subsequently most likely eaten.
