First edition of a famous Pacific voyage account, and an important and extensive illustrated description of Hawaii in the mid-1820s. Kamehameha II of Hawaii and his Queen Kamamalu were on a visit to London in 1824, when they both died of measles, against which they had no immunity. This voyage - "one of the most gracious acts that one country has ever extended to another" (Buck) - was commissioned by the British government specifically to return their bodies to the Hawaiian Islands, with the cousin of the poet Byron in command. The book contains a history of their visit to London, a résumé of the discovery of the Hawaiian islands and visits by British explorers, as well as the main narrative, compiled by Maria Graham from journals kept by the naturalist Bloxam as well as from official papers.

First edition of a famous Pacific voyage account, and an important and extensive illustrated description of Hawaii in the mid-1820s. Kamehameha II of Hawaii and his Queen Kamamalu were on a visit to London in 1824, when they both died of measles, against which they had no immunity. This voyage - "one of the most gracious acts that one country has ever extended to another" (Buck) - was commissioned by the British government specifically to return their bodies to the Hawaiian Islands, with the cousin of the poet Byron in command. The book contains a history of their visit to London, a résumé of the discovery of the Hawaiian islands and visits by British explorers, as well as the main narrative, compiled by Maria Graham from journals kept by the naturalist Bloxam as well as from official papers.

The stay in Hawaii contains an interesting account of travels to Hilo, and the Volcano, Kealakekua, Lahaina and Honolulu. The fine aquatint views by Robert Dampier include a large view of Kilauea crater, two of Honolulu, four of Hilo, and one each of the City of Refuge near Kealakekua, and Lahaina on Maui.