Beschreibung:

GOLOVNIN, Vasilii Mikhailovich (1776-1831). Zapiski Flota Kapitana Golovnina o Prikliutcheniiakh Ego v Plenu u Iapontsev v 1811, 1812 i 1813 godakh. [Notes of Fleet Captain Golovnin about his Adventures while a Captive of the Japanese in the years 1811, 1812, and 1813.] St. Petersburg: At the Navy Press, 1816. The rare first edition of Golovnin's account of his Japanese captivity . RBH and ABPC record no other copy of this first edition having been offered at auction. Golovnin was a notable explorer determined to defend and extend Russia's possessions in the North Pacific, including the still-disputed Kuril Islands which he was surveying until he was imprisoned for violating Japan's prohibition on foreigners entering its territory. Golovnin's text is an important first-hand account of early contact between Russia and Japan, popularized throughout Europe with English, French and German translations all published within two years of this edition. "Golovnin served as the model for the cosmopolitan, professionally trained naval officer for future generations. Three future explorers – Fedor Litke, Ferdinand Wrangel, and Fedor Matiushkin – served under him on the Kamchatka and praised the strict and rigorous training they received in the 'Golovnin School'" (Whittaker). Svodnyi Katalog (1801-1825), 1853; Whittaker, Russia Engages the World, p.113. Three parts in two volumes, quarto (233 x 185mm). With the printed dedication in part I, and errata in all parts. Large engraved folding map, and one folding map (maps with repaired tears near folds; occasional marginal repairs in the text). Modern red sheep in a contemporary Russian style, the spines flat and gilt in compartments centered with nautical emblems, black morocco labels and numbering pieces. Provenance : neatly deleted Russian title stamp – Wayfarer's Bookshop.