First English edition of the great work on the French discovery of the Solomon Islands, and linked to Governor Phillip's account of the voyage of the First Fleet to New South Wales: the French original was issued in 1790, an important book by the French scientist and statesman, the leading light in the early history of French exploration in the South Seas, describing in detail early discoveries around the north-eastern corner of Australia. Fleurieu gives accounts of the voyages of Mendaña in 1567 and 1568, of Quiros in 1606, Carteret, Bougainville, Surville, Cook and Shortland, especially in reference to the discovery and identification of the Solomon Islands. The accompanying maps are of particular interest, since they are partly based on actual discoveries to date, and partly on Fleurieu's theories which D'Entrecasteaux was later to prove correct.

First English edition of the great work on the French discovery of the Solomon Islands, and linked to Governor Phillip's account of the voyage of the First Fleet to New South Wales: the French original was issued in 1790, an important book by the French scientist and statesman, the leading light in the early history of French exploration in the South Seas, describing in detail early discoveries around the north-eastern corner of Australia. Fleurieu gives accounts of the voyages of Mendaña in 1567 and 1568, of Quiros in 1606, Carteret, Bougainville, Surville, Cook and Shortland, especially in reference to the discovery and identification of the Solomon Islands. The accompanying maps are of particular interest, since they are partly based on actual discoveries to date, and partly on Fleurieu's theories which D'Entrecasteaux was later to prove correct.

Fleurieu's important book was also a direct result of the voyage of the First Fleet: Phillip's Voyage, first published in 1789, had included the journal of Lieutenant Shortland on his return voyage in the Alexander transport from Botany Bay to England, during which he coasted along a group of large islands which he named "New Georgia". Writing in a period of intense international rivalry over Pacific discoveries, Fleurieu denies the English discovery and promotes those of Louis de Bougainville and Jean de Surville. He draws on unpublished manuscripts as well as the printed narratives of the earlier explorers.

There are also interesting comments on the La Pérouse voyage. Fleurieu announces the receipt of journals from as far as Botany Bay, and in discussing the Great Ocean Chart (a fragment of which is published here), says publication is to be delayed until his later discoveries can be inserted. The translator of this edition notes that the explorer had still not turned up and "the apprehension for his loss increases daily".