A Voyage Round the World, In the Years 1785, 1786, 1787, and 1788, by J. F. G. La Pérouse: Published Conformably to the Decree of the National Assembly, of the 22d of April, 1791, and Edited by M. L. A. Milet-Mureau. [3 volumes]..

First visit of a foreigner to missionary establishments in Upper California

3 volumes. Octavo (8½x5 inches). Pp. x, [2], 532 + x, 498 + viii, 466, 1-60 (Tables). 42 copper-engraved maps, views, charts and specimens, mostly folding. Full brown calf, gilt & blind rules on spines, black leather spine labels. Volume I rebacked to match, with original spine label and new endpapers. Bookplates on inner covers of volumes II and III. Early inked signature on each title page, crossed out ink on verso of titles. Front hinges of volumes II and III broken but attached, rear hinges starting. General wear to edges and corners. Most maps and plates foxed or toned, small closed tear to p.477-78 of Volume II, with remnants of old repair, folding frontis plate in volume III with early paper reinforcement on the verso of one fold. Overall, a very good set. Collated complete.

First English edition. "There are three separate translations into English from the original French, of which two (this one published by Johnson, and another one published by Stockdale) appeared in the same year, 1798. Johnson's was issued slightly earlier. Both of these 1798 editions are abridged. In both first English printings, the number of maps were reduced "Stockdale's edition reproduced only fifty-one of the original plates and Johnson's edition only forty-two" (Hill). La Perouse sailed to the Pacific and the west coast of North America to examine regions not explored by Cook; to seek the famous Northwest Passage; to obtain information about the fur trade and the Spanish settlements in California; to make scientific observations; and to promote French enterprise in the region. He made valuable contributions to the history of geographical discovery, particularly in regard to the American coast. He sent his dispatches from Kamchatka and Botany Bay. After leaving Botany Bay, his expedition disappeared and his ships' wrecks were not discovered for another 39 years on one of the Santa Cruz Islands. [Hill, Collection of Pacific Voyages: p. 974].