First edition of Meares voyage to northwest coast

Heading:
Author: Meares, John
Title: Voyages made in the Years 1788 and 1789, from China to the North West Coast of America. To which are prefixed, an Introductory Narrative of a Voyage performed in 1786, from Bengal, in the Ship Nootka; Observations on the Probable Existence of a North West Passage; and some account of the Trade between the North West Coast of America and China; and the latter country and Great Britain
Place Published: London
Publisher:Printed at the Logographic Press and sold by J. Walter
Date Published: 1790
Description:

viii, [12], xcv, [1], 372, [108] pp. With 27 copper-engraved maps, plates, views, plans, sketches, etc. (some folding; some in stipple or aquatint). (4to) 28x22 cm (11x8¾"), period calf, morocco letteriing piece. First Edition.

Meares' own account of his two fur-trading voyages to the Northwest Coast, which were to exert profound influence on sovereignty of the region., in the words of David Forbes, the book was "central to British claims to the Northwest Territory and led to the convention by which Spain's claim was finally disallowed." Lada-Mocarski declares this work "One of the early and fundamental books on the Northwest Coast of America in general and on Alaska in particular." Hill describes it thus: "This important narrative gives a very full account of the Indian nations of Northwest America, describing their villages, languages, manners, and customs. It also contains a separate account of the voyage of the Iphegenia, commanded by Captain William Douglas, which visited the Sandwich Islands and Nootka Sound." Howes adds that it's the "Pioneer English voyage to this coast, supplying the chief basis to British claims to Oregon. Spanish pretensions to territory beyond California were relinquished in the treaty following England's remonstrance over the seizure of Meare's ships, anchored off Nootka," which conflict became known as the "Nootka Controversy." The Philippine plate, not issued with all copies, which usually faces p.17, is not present. Graff 2734; Forbes 201; Hill 1126; Howes M469; Sabin 47260; Smith 6690; Streeter 3491; Wickersham 6595.
Condition Report: Covers rubbed, front joint with earlier repair, starting to crack again; some foxing and soiling to contents, occasional stains and offset; the two largest charts (NW America/NE Asia, and North Pacific) are backed repairing tears, worn, the latter stained and set loose on recent endpaper pocket; overall a very good, complete copy, in contemporary binding.