Henry Hudson (c. 1565-1611) was an English sea explorer and navigator during the early 17th century, best known for his explorations of present-day Canada and parts of the Northeastern United States.

In 1607 and 1608, Hudson made two attempts on behalf of English merchants to find a rumoured Northeast Passage to Cathay via a route above the Arctic Circle. In 1609, he landed in North America on behalf of the Dutch East India Company and explored the region around the modern New York metropolitan area. Looking for a Northwest Passage to Asia on his ship Halve Maen ('Half Moon'), he sailed up the Hudson River, which was later named after him, and thereby laid the foundation for Dutch colonisation of the region. His contributions to the exploration of the New World were significant and lasting. His voyages helped to establish European contact with the native peoples of North America and contributed to the development of trade and commerce.

On his final expedition, while still searching for the Northwest Passage, Hudson became the first European to see Hudson Strait and the immense Hudson Bay. In 1611, after wintering on the shore of James Bay, Hudson wanted to press on to the west, but most of his crew mutinied. The mutineers cast Hudson, his son, and six others adrift; what then happened to the Hudsons and their companions is unknown.

First edition of this translation, Hakluyt Society First Series, XXVII; 8vo (22.5 x 15 cm); 2 large folding maps, ex libris Inner Temple Library with bookplates and stamps, withdrawn stamp to titles, a couple of gathering hinges a little weak, small tear to hinge of first map repaired, otherwise clean internally; original publisher's gilt blue cloth, slightly dampstained and soiled boards, spine a little darkened with small loss to head, a good copy; ccxviii, [2], 292pp.