Arthur Dobbs

Dobbs, Arthur

An Account of the Countries Adjoining to Hudson’s Bay, in the North-west Part of America. London: J. Robinson, 1744

4to (278 x 215 mm). Woodcut headpiece and initial, large engraved folding map "New Map of Part of North America"; some minor offsetting, a few stray spots. Brown half morocco, marbled paper-covered boards, top edges gilt; marginal stain on R3.

First edition of this important—and scarce—work advocating continued search for a Northwest Passage.

"Even if Dobbs used exaggeration as his main literary device, the core of his sermon was perfectly accurate — that if the Company did not drastically alter its tactics, the French would occupy the new continent's central plains... Its most valuable historical contribution was the description of the extraordinary exploits of a 'French Canadese Indian' named Joseph La France" (Newman 213). Dobbs attacked the Hudson's Bay Company, claiming that their mismanagement of Indian trade had ceded the fur trade to the French in Canada. Dobbs claimed that the Company was undermining efforts to find a Passage in order to protect their monopoly.

REFERENCES

Field 433; Howes D-373; Lande 1144; Newman, Peter C., Empire of the Sun (2000); NMM 796; Peel 8; Sabin 20404; Staton & Tremaine/TPL 193; Streeter sale VI:3637; Wagner Northwest Coast 549

PROVENANCE

Edward Everett Ayer, presented to the Newberry Library (bookplate, with Newberry removal label)