ELLIS, William (1794-1872). Polynesian Researches, During a Residence of Nearly Six Years in the South Sea Islands? London: Fisher, Son & Jackson, 1829. 8vos. Illustrated with 9 engraved plates, 2 maps (1 folding), and several intertextual illustrations. xvi, 536; viii, 576 pp. Bound in contemporary half dark brown calf over marbled boards, spines ruled and lettered in gilt, five raised bands (bindings quite worn, joints cracking, hinges cracking, text toned and occasionally foxed, some foxing to plates, some gutters overopened). Fair. From the collection of Joseph Husband, with his bookplate on both fps. FIRST EDITION OF THIS UNCOMMON ETHNIC RESEARCHES BY A MISSIONARY. Ellis was one of the earliest and most enlightened missionaries to serve in the Society Islands, dealing with geography history, natural history, history of Tahiti, and the missionary endeavors taken up in this area.