*BYRON (George Anson) - GRAHAM (Maria). Voyage of H. M. S. Blonde to the Sandwich islands, in the years 1824-1825. London : John Murray, 1826 . - In-4, 272 x 209 : frontispiece, x pp., (1 f.), 260 pp. 2 maps, 12 plates. Half burgundy calf with corners, gilt fillets, spine with false ribbing, marbled edges (period binding). First edition of this account of the voyage undertaken between 1824 and 1825 by Captain George Anson Byron (1789-1868), cousin of the famous poet, on board the frigate H.M.S. Blonde, bound for the Sandwich Islands. It was originally made to bring back the bodies of King Kamehameha II and Queen Kamāmalu, who died of measles during their state visit to England. Participating in this expedition were several scientists, including the priest, botanist and naturalist Andrew Bloxam (1801-1878). The author Maria Graham, later Lady Callcott (1785-1842), wrote this book at the request of her publisher John Murray, based on the official papers and journals kept by Bloxam. In it she recounts the visit of the Hawaiian royal couple to London, gives a summary of the British discovery and visits to the Hawaiian Islands, and recounts the voyage of the frigate Blonde. The edition is illustrated with two maps, one of which is folding, and 13 plates, 3 of which are copper-engraved portraits of Hawaiian inhabitants and 9 of which are aquatinted landscapes, including the folding frontispiece. Worm work on the hinges and on the boards, some tears and spotting, wetness on the endpapers. Some foxing. Provenance: Charles Scrase Dickins, with bookplate.