The Malaspina Expedition 1789 to 1794: Journal of the Voyage by Alejandro Malaspina : Cadiz to Panama (Hakluyt Society Series, 3) [Hardcover]

Andrew David (Editor), Felipe Fernandez-Armesto (Editor), Carlos Novi (Editor), Glyndwr Williams (Editor), Donald C. Cutter (Introduction)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0904180727 | ISBN-13: 978-0904180725 | Publication Date: June 2002

Among the voyages of exploration and surveying in the late 18th century, that of Alejandro Malaspina perhaps best represents the high ideals and scientific interests of the Enlightenment. In July 1789 he sailed from Cadiz in the purpose-built corvettes, "Descubierta" and "Atrevida". On board the vessels were scientists and artists and an array of the latest surveying and astronomical instruments. The voyage lasted more than five years. On his return Malaspina was promoted Brigadier de la Real Armada, and began work on seven-volume account of the voyage, to dwarf the narratives of his predecessors in the Pacific such as Cook and Bougainville. But he became involved in political intrigue and was imprisoned from 1795 to 1803, then spending the last seven years of his life in obscure retirement in Italy. He never resumed work on the great edition, and his journal remained long unpublished. Only now is justice being done to the achievements of what for a long time was a forgotten voyage. This volume contains Malaspina's diario or journal from 31 July 1789 to 14 December 1790, newly translated into English, with substantial introduction and commentary. Among the places visited and described are Montevideo, Puerto Deseado, Port Egmont, Puerto San Carlos, Valpara so, Callao, Guayaquil and Panama.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: Hakluyt Society (June 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0904180727
• ISBN-13: 978-0904180725
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,264,006 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Malaspina - an un underservedly neglected navigator, October 24, 2004

By 

K. Benson "smitut" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Malaspina Expedition 1789 to 1794: Journal of the Voyage by Alejandro Malaspina : Cadiz to Panama (Hakluyt Society Series, 3) (Hardcover)

This is the first volume of three being published by the Hakluyt Society ( www.hakluyt.com ) on the 18 C expedition of Malaspina for the Spanish crown to the American colonies with the aim of fixing frontiers, improving scientific and geographical knowledge, and generating maps. A splendid work of scholarship and a great read!