Products | Voyager Rare Books Maps & Prints

Heroes of the Polar Seas – J. Kennedy Maclean – 1910

Title continues … A Record of Exploration in the Arctic and Antarctic Seas by J Kennedy Maclean. Published by Chambers Edinburgh, thick octavo, 404 pages. Magnificent pictorial boards, well illustrated with two maps of the top and the bottom. Some spotting and spine ends a bit pulled, otherwise a pretty good copy.

The pictorial boards may give the impression this was for a younger audience. The quality of the content and writing suggest the market was father and son.

Written chronologically with an introduction of “Gains and losses of Polar Enterprise” before the “Pioneers”. The search for the North-west passage and Franklin and much about his horrors. Nares and then the fatal “Jannette” an incredible story often lost in these accounts. The discovery of Franz Josef Land and the North-east Passage by Nordenskiold. Peary and the success of the North Pole after twenty years … and Cook.

In the South, Scotland’s share of the then exploration and Scott’s Discovery Expedition. Shackleton’s Farthest South (so close) and the great race for the Pole.

At the time of publication the race to the pole had just been won and the tragedy of Scott’s expedition known but not fully understood. Tributes had begun to flow.

A Voyager favourite … an obscure but relevant Polar item.

$90.00

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Log of the Centurion – The Anson Voyage – The Log of Saumarez – Leo Heaps

The great Anson circumnavigation of the mid-18th century to basically steal as much Spanish gold – as possible (successful in that regard). This book based on the papers of Captain Saumarez and an essential part of the incredible story that makes up this historic adventure.

Based on the original papers of Captain Philip Saumarez on Board HMS Centurion, Lord Anson’s flagship during his circumnavigation 1740-44.

The four Saumarez logs have not been previously published or referenced. They had been lost for year until found in the 1960’s in a cardboard box along with letter and other documents at the Saumerez manor in the Channel Islands.

Published by Macmillan, New York a first edition 1974.Large octavo, 264 pages, world map end papers showing the track of the fleet, numerous illustrations from original works, some in colour. A very good copy.

While Great Britain was at war with Spain in 1740, Commodore George Anson led a Squadron of eight ships on a mission to harass the Spaniards on the west coast of South America and cut off their supplies of wealth from the Pacific.

“Returning to England in 1744 by way of China and thus completing a circumnavigation, the voyage was notable for the capture of the gold laden Acapulco Galleon but also for the loss of all ships except Anson’s Centurion and horrific losses to disease with only 300 of the original 900 surviving.

Anson’s voyage is remembered as a classic tale of endurance and leadership in the face of fearful disasters, but to Englishmen of 1744 it was the treasure of the galleon, triumphantly paraded through the streets of London, which restored national pride after an unsuccessful war against the Spaniards.”

Saumerez another perspective on Anson

$40.00

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The Small Bachelor – P.G. Wodehouse – New Edition 1970 – Fine Copy

This is an old one, first published in 1927. This is the first printing of a new issue by Barrie & Jenkins, London in 1970. Octavo, 204 pages, a very good copy in a complete dust jacket

Complex Wodehouse carry-on. George Finch artist who desires New York socialite Molly Wellington, cannot paint .. a hopeless artists. Her mother prefers the advances of Lord Hunstanton. Many characters contribute to George’s success or lack of … including a poetic policeman, an ex-convict valet, a fortune teller, Fanny the pickpocket etc.

Read carefully or your laughing will cause injury!

$40.00

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Period of Adjustment – Tennessee Williams – First UK Edition 1960.

A first UK edition published by Secker and Warburg, London in 1960.

Subtitled … High Point over a Cavern. Described as a “Serious Comedy” … and it is … there is a strong message and quite a few laughs.

Octavo, 95 pages all in super condition.

Set on Christmas Eve it’s a tale about two couples who have been married a few years and are facing the tensions that can arise …

Made into a Hollywood Movie in 1962 for which star Jane Fonda was nominated for a Golden Globe.

A good Christmas Eve read … it will not be on the telly … it’s not reality

$35.00

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Short Eared Owl – Susemihl – 1838

Original hand-coloured engraving of the Short Eared Owl by Johann Conrad Susemihl (1767-1847).

Published in Stuttgart as part of “Vogel Europas”, one of the great ornithological works of the 19th century, in which Johann Susemihl was assisted by his son Eduard.

Size 25cm by 16cm .. will frame nicely for library, study, hallway …

Price $120.00 unframed — enquire about framing options if you desire.

Rare finely engraved owl … click on me to see my penetrating eyes!

$120.00

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Australian Frogmouths – Broinowski – 1890

An original hand finished chromolithograph from Broinowksi’s magnificent wok on Australian birds published late in the Victorian era.

Two frogmouths … Podargus Strigoides (Tawny Frogmouth) an Podargus Plumiferus (Marbled Frogmouth). With moderate gum arabic highlights on the eyes, beaks and wing tips.

Matted nicely ready to frame. Printed area 31cm by 24cm. external mat dimensions 43cm by 34cm. A nice example of the desirable frogmouth image … easier to see here than out in the bush.

Price unframed but nicely matted as described. Our scanner is too small to show the full effect of the matting … its nice … double matted with French lines coloured and gilt.

Australian Frogmouths … very Australian

$120.00

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All products

Heroes of the Polar Seas – J. Kennedy Maclean – 1910

Log of the Centurion – The Anson Voyage – The Log of Saumarez – Leo Heaps

The Small Bachelor – P.G. Wodehouse – New Edition 1970 – Fine Copy

Period of Adjustment – Tennessee Williams – First UK Edition 1960.

Short Eared Owl – Susemihl – 1838

Australian Frogmouths – Broinowski – 1890

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