12mo. In two volumes. xii, 358; xii, 374pp, [10] With half-titles and a terminal publisher's advertisement catalogue to Vol. II. Contemporary marbled sheep, contrasting red morocco lettering-piece, gilt. Extremities worn, spine of Vol. I cracked, some loss to head and foot, splitting to joints. Foxed.

The first edition of a history of European seafaring, designed for the use of young students, by schoolmaster and educational writer John Adams (1750?-1814). The collection of 142 succinct chapters includes accounts of the voyages of Columbus, Cortez and Pizzaro to the Americas; the circumnavigation of the globe by Sir Francis Drake; the marooning of Alexander Selkirk; and the discoveries and death of Captain Cook.