Maritime List 185

Items 1-25

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1. Anon. CHARTER OF THE MARINE SOCIETY OF THE TOWN OF NEWPORT, IN THE STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND. Newport. 1806 (2)-23 pp “To which are added, the bye-laws, and a list of the members of the society.” This venerable group was founded as The Fellowship Club in 1754, then chartered as the Marine Society in 1785. A scarce book, Worldcat showing only nine libraries holding hard copies, though microform copies abound, probably because of the list of members that runs from pages 17-23 and spans the years 1752-1805. VG in original calf, rebacked to match. $350
2. Anon. THE CHINA COASTER’S TIDE BOOK AND NAUTICAL POCKET MANUAL FOR THE YEAR 1930. Shanghai. 1929. b/w and color plates and charts, some folding. 12mo. 453, (8) pp. “Containing matters concerning tides and tidal streams, and a mass of miscellaneous information for the coast of China, etc.” The “miscellaneous information” is fascinating - Berthing signals for Hong Kong? Telephone numbers for Yangtze pilots? How to call an ash boat? - It’s all here! House flags and two harbor charts are colored. Light wear to backstrip of fabric binding, else VG. $250
3. Anon (Tobias Smollett?). A JOURNAL OF THE EXPEDITION TO CARTHAGENA, WITH NOTES. Lon. 1744. 11-59 pp. A firsthand account of Vernon’s attempt to capture Carthagena in 1741 (weather and disease proved his undoing). Attribution of authorship is interesting. Sabin 102632 says, “A defense of the conduct of the army in the expedition, and hence attributed by some to General Wentworth, who was in command of the land forces. Halkett and Lain attribute to Tobias Smollett.” Smollett, the great English novelist, was a surgeon in the British fleet during the attempt on Cartagena. This is the second edition, identical to the first, which was published in the same year. Pages evenly tanned. Bound in old half leather over marbled boards. Backstrip laid down. A nice copy. $350
4. (Aubin, Nicolas). DICTIONNAIRE DE MARINE CONTENANT LES TERMES DE LA NAVIGATION.... Amsterdam. 1702. b/w ills., engraved plates, some folding. 4to. xiv, 776 pp. Splendid copy of the first edition of the first French marine dictionary. A huge, picturesque undertaking, inspired by the great dictionaries of its time, this massive tome features thousands of definitions of maritime terms, illustrated by hundreds of woodcut illustrations in the text, and by engraved plates, several of which fold. The plate count seems to vary in different copies of this work. This copy has a frontispiece and 24 plates, 7 of which fold. It is lacking one folding plate, which was never bound in, because this is an almost immaculately preserved copy, untrimmed in original heavy paper boards - just as it came from the printer 307 years ago. One plate has an old repair to a tear, one plate has its flags colored red, and there are a few spots and a few marginal notes in an early French hand. Overall, a handsome example of a rare and important book. See Craig p. 7-8, Polak 225, and Scott 173. VG, housed in a custom box with leather label. $2000
5. Baxter, James Phinney . THE INTRODUCTION OF THE IRONCLAD WARSHIP. Cambridge. 1933. b/w ills. 398 pp. Authoritative study, tracing the rise of the ironclad in Europe and America back to late 18th century advances in naval ordnance. With extensive bibliography. Some underlinings and marginal notes, but a solid copy of the first edition. $75
6. Biddle, Tyrrel E. HINTS TO BEGINNERS IN AMATEUR YACHT DESIGNING... Lon. 1883. b/w fldg. plates. ills. 19 pp. “With lines for a single handed cruiser, and a 5 to 10 ton cutter or yawl.” Uncommon, not in Toy. Worldcat locates only three copies. First edition in original blue boards. With large folding plates in VG condition. $150
7. Biddle, Tyrrel E. HINTS TO BEGINNERS IN AMATUER YACHT DESIGNING... Lon. 1890. b/w fldg. plates. ills. 19 pp. Second edition, identical to the first. Worldcat locates six libraries holding copies of this edition. Uncommon, not in Toy. Lightly and evenly tanned, else VG in original binding. $125
8. Biddlecombe, George. STEAM FLEET TACTICS. Lon. 1857. b/w plates with spot coloring, folding table. 4to. xiv, 51, (1) pp. “To which is added trials of sailing, illustrated by diagrams of the several evolutions.” The advent of steam necessitated an entirely new approach to strategy. In fact, Biddlecombe states that he is putting forth his ideas “in the hope that they might lead to discussion and some practical trials.” The Trials of Sailing - regarding the height of masts in various classes of warships - is reprinted from Biddlecombe’s earlier book on naval tactics. Worldcat shops ten libraries holding copies, but this book is quite scarce in the trade. No copies online, no copies have sold at auction in over twenty years. Bound in original gilt decorated cloth. Back board has gotten wet and is stained, as is the back endpaper. Otherwise this is a clean fresh copy of a rare book. $750
9. Blunt, Edmund. SEAMANSHIP, BOTH IN THEORY AND PRACTICE... NY. 1811. b/w ills. in text, folding plates. vii, 146, (4) pp. “To which is annexed, an act to establish a board of wardens for the port of New-York... To which is added, the regulations for pilotage, adopted by the said board. Illustrated with engravings.” Rare first edition of this work, which was reprinted in 1812 and again in expanded form in 1824. The text employs material on rigging from Steel and on tactics from Bourde de Villehuet. Worldcat shows only Yale University holding a copy of this New York printing. That entry calls for two plates, which this copy has. A Boston printing and the 1812 edition apparently have three folding plates. Witt 46. Not in Burstyn. A unique feature of this copy is the seven pages of contemporary manuscript regarding the American Navy in the War of 1812 - such as “List of the American Navy, June 27th, 1812.” A clean copy rebound in calf over marbled boards with spine label. $500
10. Bowditch, Nathaniel. THE NEW AMERICAN PRACTICAL NAVIGATOR. 1802. b/w fldg. maps. (i)-xvi, 17-246, tables, 533-589, (7) pp. First edition of a keystone work in the history of navigation. Campbell #3, Karpinski p. 142. Grolier 100. Folding front chart, often incomplete or missing, is present in this copy. In addition, this is a rare variant imprint, printed by Blunt “For E. & S. Larkin, Boston.” Worldcat shows no libraries holding copies of this Larkin imprint. Campbell, p. 76, says, “There are without doubt many other variant imprints extant, probably printed for the following booksellers who handled Blunt publications: Nathaniel Knight, Baltimore, E. & S. Larkin...” A very nice copy as these books go, with pages lightly and evenly tanned, and light offsetting from some plates. Bound in original calf, rebacked to match, with original label laid down. $5000
11. Bowditch, Nathaniel. THE NEW AMERICAN PRACTICAL NAVIGATOR. NY. 1839. b/w plates, chart. xv,317, 447, (4) pp. This is the 11th edition, with a four page insert by Dent on chronometers. Campbell 15. This copy is inscribed “Property of Israel Arnold, Pawtucket” and stamped twice with his name. The Arnolds were a prominent Rhode Island family who first settled there in the 17th century. Their legacy includes a historic house, a whaleship, and a string of mariners. Some staining and wear, but a servicable and suitably historic-looking copy. $150
12. Broadside. BY THE KING. A PROCLAMATION RELATING TO THE ARTICLES CONCLUDED BETWEEN HIS MAJESTY, AND THE GOVERNMENT OF ALGIERS. Lon. 1675. Two folio sheets measuring 14 x 22 inches. This rare proclamation announces a treaty with Algiers prohibiting the enslavement of English sailors. England, for its part, promises not to operate ships of nations at war with Algiers. Subsequent events would prove this agreement worth less than the paper on which it was printed. Wing C3555. Common in microform, but Worldcat shows only two libraries holding copies of the original, which is worth more than the paper on which it was printed, but still reasonably priced at $2000
13. Broadside. NEWS. SALEM, 21ST FEBRUARY, 1794, TEN O’CLOCK AT NIGHT. Folio sheet, 9 1/4 x 14 3/4 inches. Capt. Putnam of Salem warns owner William Gray that the British are taking all vessels bound for the French Islands. His ship was captured by the British privateer Experiment. He was interrogated by his captors and, “I expect to be libelled the day after tomorrow... There are presswarrants issued out here by the Commander of the Boyne Frigate to empress every one that speaks English, in consequence of which Americans are obliged to hide among rocks and bushes, and there, in danger of being knocked on the head by the negroes.” The broadside goes on to list the American vessels at Montserrat. Rare. Worldcat shows no libraries holding copies. $3000
14. Broadside TO BE SOLD, IN PUBLIC SALE TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER... THE GOOD BRIGANTINE VALENTINE. Whitehaven. 1804. Folio sheet measuring 12 1/4 x 15 inches. The 96 ton Valentine was built at Chepstow. “Sails and takes the ground well; is remarkably well found, and has an immediate Turn to load Coals.” Five percent deposit and the balance in three and six months. Of particular interest is the detailed inventory of the Valentine’s rigging and fittings, including “cook and cabin stores.” $750
15. Brodie, Walter. PITCAIRN’S ISLAND, AND ISLANDERS IN 1850. Lon. 1851. b/w plates. iv, 260 pp. “Brodie, while on his way from New Zealand to the California gold fields, was stranded at Pitcairn when his vessel was blown off shore. During his long visit, he wrote this account of the later events of the Bounty mutineers. He gives a very detailed list of all the Bounty’s descendants and a valuable shipping record of vessels calling at the island.” This is the third edition, identical to the first, and published in the same year, with list of subscribers and Brodie’s note asking them to please pay up! Howes B-797. Hill p. 34. Cowan, p. 73. Bound in original cloth with spine label , scarce thus, though binding is chipped. $350
16. Campbell, Archibald. ARMADA CANNON. Lon. 1899. b/w plates. 63 pp. A beautiful copy of a beautiful book, the most thorough treatment of the subject, based on recently discovered examples. Fine condition in two tone cloth with gold lettering. $150
17. Carpenter, Kenneth J. THE HISTORY OF SCURVY AND VITAMIN C. Cambridge (UK) 1986. b/w plates. viii, 288 pp. History of the nutritional deficiency disease that plagued explorers, sailors, and common folk for centuries - and the theories of its causes, attempts at cures, and final triumph. First full treatment of the disease in over 60 years, by a nutritional scientist who can write a lick as well. First edition. VG, dj. $50
18. Carrick, Robert W. and Richard Henderson. JOHN G. ALDEN AND HIS YACHT DESIGNS. Camden, ME. (1984) b/w plates, plans. to. xvi, 445 pp. Biographical sketch and examination of more than 100 Alden designs. This master designer began his career working for B.B. Crowninshield in 1902, learning firsthand the design and abilities of the Gloucester fishing schooner. This is #16 in a limited edition of 100 copies, with an extra frontispiece plate. VG in slipcase, and the most collectable edition of this popular title. $200
19. Cavileer, John W. MODEL BOAT BUILDING FOR BOYS. Milwaukee. (1923) 4to. b/w plans, plates. 72 pp. Scarce American work on building and sailing pond models. Not in Toy. VG $80
20. Chart. CHART OF OCEAN ISLAND. Lahainaluna Seminary. 1838 4to sheet. 9 1/4 x 13 inches. This chart of Ocean Island, now Kure Atoll, engraved by Kepohoni at Lahainaluna, originally appeared in vol I. of “The Hawaiian Spectator.” According to Forbes 1099, 600 copies were printed. A copy of this chart - foxed, stained, and with two holes in the image, sold at Pacific Auction Galleries for $1840 in 2008. $950
21. Clarke, James Stanier and John M’Arthur. THE LIFE OF ADMIRAL LORD NELSON, K.B. FROM HIS LORDSHIP’S MANUSCRIPTS. Lon. n.d. b/w engraved plates and map Three vols. 526, 500, 394 pp. First octavo edition of the classic Nelson biography, published after the initial appearance of the folio eduition in 1809. This set is extra illustrated with 100 original engravings - mostly portraits of the people mentioned in the biography. There is a list of the extra illustrations inserted in the first volume. The set, with raised bands and gilt decorations, is beautifully bound in full crushed navy blue morocco by Morrell of London. Small chip in the top of spine in vol. 1, else a fine set, and a real knockout. $1250
22. Cobb, Sylvanus, Jr. THE CHILD OF THE BAY: OR, THE SAILOR’S PROTEGE. A STORY OF ENGLAND, INDIA, AND THE OCEAN. Bos. 1859. b/w plates and ills. Folio. (161)- 224 pp. This title took up four issues of “the Weekly Novelette,” vol VI, nos 11-14, issued together with title wrappers. One of thirty-six novelettes Cobb contributed to the publisher’s “Flag of Our Union” periodical. Wright 565 cites an 1852 edition published by Gleason. Cobb’s fiction was immensely popular, here incorporating his own naval experiences. “As literature his work is of no value, but as the first American to apply quantitative methods to the production of fiction, he has his place in the general history of American printed matter.” - DAB. A nice copy. Printed in three columns, with illustrated paper cover. $200
23. (Cockburn, George) BUONAPARTE’S VOYAGE TO ST. HELENA; COMPRISING THE DIARY OF REAR ADMIRAL GEORGE COCKBURN. Bos. 1833. 12mo, xi-123pp. with 8 page publisher's catalog. The preface states that a Captain Brookhouse of Salem obtained this manuscript from Cockburn’s private secretary, who had since died. Napoleon’s exile was a newsworthy scoop at the time, giving an intimate portrait of the great dictator on his way to the end. Bound in original cloth with paper label. $150
24. Coffman, F.L. ATLAS OF TREASURE MAPS. NY. (1957) Color maps and charts. Tall folio, unpaginated (about 125 pp.) "Showing over 3000 locations of sunken or buried treasure in the western hemisphere and British Isles." About 50 maps. Scarce and desirable. Some cover spotting. Contents clean. $150
25. Cook, James, and James King. A VOYAGE TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN; UNDER COMMAND OF HIS MAJESTY, FOR MAKING DISCOVERIES IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE... Lon. 1784. Folding chart, map, plates. 4 vols. xii, 370; xii, 359; xii, 400; xii, 310, (64) pp. First octavo edition of Cook’s third voyage. As Holmes notes, “The long-delayed official account of the third voyage was so eagerly awaited by the public that it was sold out on the third day after publication.” (Holmes 47) This edition was issued in part to satisfy that demand. It contains the folding “General Chart” and 49 of the original 62 plates, including the famous “Death of Cook” redone in octavo format. Hill 352 who notes, “This abridged account is preferred by some readers because, the nautical and technical parts having been deleted, the work reads more like an adventure. Text plates and folding map are all clean and lightly, evenly tanned. Bound in full calf with spine labels and gilt spine decorations. However, the backstrips are worn and chipped, and the hinges are cracked or split. Overall, an excellent set in need of rebinding, and priced accordingly. $1500
Items 26-50
List 185 Table of Contents
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