A brief narrative of an unsuccessful attempt to reach Repulse Bay, through Sir Thomas Rowe's "Welcome," in His Majesty's ship Griper, in the year MDCCCXXIV.

London: John Murray, 1825. First edition. 21 cm; xvi, 198, [2] pages, and [7] leaves of copper-engraved plates, folding map. Bound in contemporary green polished calf over marbled boards, ruled in gilt, by Henry Young. Gilt tooling on spine. Color faded from spine and from top edge of upper board. Fine condition. References: Arctic Bib. 10530; Lande 1292; Sabin 42851.

Narrative of search for the Northwest Passage through the Hudson Bay; observations on Southampton Island, Eskimos, tides, and compass variations. George Francis Lyon, one of Barrow's favorites, had made a name for himself in the exploration of Africa before serving as commander (truncated) of the HMS Hecla during William Edward Parry's second Arctic voyage. Thereafter, in the spring of 1824 Lyon was given command of the sluggish and cranky HMS Griper, with orders to winter in Repulse Bay, in northwest Hudson Bay, and then cross Melville Peninsula to explore the northern coast of mainland America. Ice conditions were difficult, however, and he was unable to even reach Repulse Bay, and had to return home that same Fall. He was never given another naval command. (Inventory #: 5897)