LA POIX FRÉMINVILLE, Christophe Paulin, chevalier... Lot n° 89

New relation of the voyage in search of La Pérouse. Executed by order of the king, during the years 1791, 1792, 1793, and 1794, by M. D'Entrecasteaux. Written according to the particular diaries of several persons of the expedition. Brest, J.-B. Lefournier, 1838. In-8 (203 x 1228 mm) of 359 pp. 4 ff.n.ch. Navy blue half-chagrin, smooth spine, blue cover preserved (Ateliers Laurenchet). Sabin, 39007; Ferguson, 2491. First edition, very rare. La Poix Fréminville (1787-1848), a sailor, naturalist and archaeologist, entered the navy in 1801 and was promoted to lieutenant in 1811. After his retirement in 1831, he devoted himself exclusively to natural history and archaeology and published numerous notes and memoirs. His Nouvelle relation du voyage a la recherche de Lapérouse (New relation of the voyage in search of Lapérouse) is a meticulous study of "the particular diaries of several persons of the expedition". It is "increased by the account of the circumstances that led to the discovery of the place where the frigates of M. de La Pérouse were wrecked". One of the most remarkable details is the complete list of the crews of the two ships, L'Esperance and La Recherche. Trace of wetness at the head of the last two quires. Of this rare edition we have only been able to trace one copy that has passed through public sales for more than 100 years.