Author: COOK (James). KIPPIS (Andrew):
Title: The Life of Captain James Cook.
Description: Basil: Printed by J. J. Tourneisen, 1788. FIRST CONTINENTAL EDITION. 2 volumes. 8vo, 203 x 128 mms., pp. xii, 302 [303 adverts, 304 blank]; [iv], 326, contemporary half calf, slightly orange/lemon coloured boards, spines gilt to a botanical motif, morocco labels; fore-edges of binding very slight affected by damp, spines and corners a bit worn, tops and bases of spines very slightly chipped, most of numberng label on spine of volume 2 missing. "There are numerous statues and monuments to Cook in many parts of the world, but the monument erected by Palliser in the grounds of The Vache, his country house in Chalfont St Giles, is perhaps the most significant. It consists of a square plinth, within a square tower, open on all sides, with a lengthy eulogy to Cook inscribed on the four sides of the plinth, beginning with the words 'To the Memory of Captain James Cook The ablest and most renowned Navigator this or any country hath produced'. In 1874 an obelisk to Cook's memory was erected near the spot where he fell, but the best memorial to him is the present-day map of the Pacific, which he did so much to shape" (ODNB). The Analytical Review for September, 1788, reviewing the London edition, concluded with this endorsement: "The language would, probably, in some places admit of a higher polish, but in general it is perspicuous, easy, and natural, and, in our opinion, more agreeable to the standard of classical simplicity, than the verbose, tumid, and highly figurative style so fashionable at present."

Keywords: biography travel prose


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