Travel
[BANKS, Joseph (subject).] SCOTT-WARING, John.
An epistle from Oberea, Queen of Otaheite, to Joseph Banks, Esq. Translated by T.Q.Z. Esq. Professor of the Otaheite language in Dublin, and of all the languages of the undiscovered islands in the South Sea.
London, printed by J.Almon. 1774. Third edition. 4to (21.5 x 26.5cm) 15, [1]pp., very good in modern calf-backed marbled boards in period style, spine gilt in compartments titled with gilt label.
A verse satire in imitation of Ovid's "Oenone paridi", making sport of the rumoured liasons of the naturalist Joseph Banks with native women during his stay on Tahiti. "The chief goal of the voyage was to observe the transit of Venus at Tahiti where the Endeavour anchored on 13 April 1769; it remained there for three months ... This lengthy stay gave Banks ample opportunity to study the flora and fauna of the island as well as to observe the character of its human society. He learned Tahitian and was fascinated by points of contrast with English society, being ready on occasions to admit the superiority of some aspects of Tahitian society, and that Europeans could benefit from a knowledge of some of the islanders' practical skills" (ODNB). Beddie, 3914; Kroepelien, 1165; O'Reilly-Reitman, 9791. ESTC lists only 6 copies: NjP; L; CLU-S/C; ICN; ZWMU; ZWTU.
Price: £ 2500
US Dollar Price: $ 3710
Stock Number: 65840