Naval - Military - Pre-20th Century | Archive | Voyager Rare Books Maps & Prints

Voyage along the Eastern Coast of Africa to Mosambique, Johanna, and Quiloa; to St Helena; to Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, and Pernambuco in Brazil, in the Nisus Frigate – James Prior RN – 1819

A first edition of this full on voyage and travel account by the articulate James Prior. Published by Sir Richard Phillips & Co, London in 1819.

A lovely internal copy rebound in grey/green paper covered boards, as was typical of a primary binding of the true period, gilt on red leather title to spine. Octavo, 114 pages with special three fold map dated 1810 drawn by W M Cobb RN, also printed by Phillips. Another folding chart of the Harbour at Mozambique (note the different spelling) and a striking engraved view of the Town and Fort at Mozambique.

Well we have to be careful as this book is right in Voyager’s sweet spot. The narrative content is far fuller physically than the 114 pages suggest. First simply due to the format and the lines and words set per page, but also because Prior’s writing style is honed and full of interesting detail – no padding.

The long title gives you an idea of the coverage. Voyager’s favourite island, St Helena, is tackled well and one gets a great idea of the first impression on approach and the manner and detail of James Town and the various Plantation houses up “Ladder Hill” … “Ruperts Hill” etc.

Not in the title we also learn about the Comoro Islands … out from Mozambique and north west of Madagascar … this group of four ex volcanic islands probably the most beautiful place in the World. The Comoro islands was the primary reason behind the voyage as the King of Comoro had sought help against “predatory expeditions” of several thousand warriors from Madagascar. War was not the solution conferences were held – we can learn from that.

Good content on Rio and Brazil so don’t be confused by the lead in to the title …

Taking you back to the beginning and Prior has arrived at Cape Town where of all things he is off to the races … “the course is on Green Point, on the verge of the Bay: it was attended my multitudes, some in handsome vehicles … filled with females of every age, class and complexion. A dinner to the members concluded the meeting, followed of course by a ball … and the amusements of the week finished, on Saturday, with a private race, a cock-fight, the execution of several malefactors near the ground, and a dual between two gentlemen holding official situations, nearly fatal; so that we could not complain of want of variety”

We had to show you this even though it is not typical of the narrative – different times!

Interesting early 19thC Voyage from east Africa to Brazil

$390.00

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Out with the Old Voyagers – Horace Groser – 1908

By Horace G Groser and published by Andrew Melrose, London a third edition with our preferred “gold theme” covers. The book that was the inspiration behind Voyager.

Octavo, 276 pages with 37 full page illustrations. Pictorial covers to die for with the super Voyager script … like modern day Vivaldi. Free endpaper excised and a little top of frontis – a name that was not to be left. Otherwise a super solid copy.

A solid history of early seafaring starting with Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, Columbus, Magellan and the Cabots. Frobisher to the North and Sir John Hawkins out to the West Indies. Drake around the World … Davis to Greenland, Lancaster. And then Berents to Nova Zembla. The 16th Century just over and the four voyages of Henry Hudson to complete.

Voyager’s favourite inspirational Voyagers

$70.00

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The Principall Navigations Voiages & Discoveries of the English Nation – Richard Hakluyt.

One of the most important of the many worthwhile Hakluyt Society publications – this one the work of effectively the “founder” or at least founding inspiration. A facsimile with embellishments of the famous 16thC work

Published by Cambridge University Press for the Society in 1965. Extra series number XXIX. Largish quarto, two volumes comprising fifty plus pages of introductions regarding the character of the work, medieval source, unpublished work and near the end of that a wonderful check-list of surviving copies – amazing how many of which have made there way to the USA – lucky them. With their original dust jackets – a very good set. Heavy, not really and overseas purchase option on their own.

The balance of the volumes constitutes 836 pages, plus a very useful modern index. The index is a real gem as Hakluyt’s work at first unwieldly opens up when you know where to look. Hakluyt also organised his work into three Parts – First South and Southeast; Second North and Northeast and the final Third Part West, Southwest and Northwest – so that helps.

Hakluyt a monumental work of seafaring history – how on earth did he do it?

$180.00

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THE NAVAL STORES BRISBANE – An Historical Survey and Management Plan – Don Roderick

A unique item. Landscape presentation, 103 pages, copied and perfect bound monochrome illustrations throughout in good plus condition. Produced for the Queensland Government in 1984.

An Historical Survey and Management Plan. Unusual and rare. Typescript reproduced on a duplicating machine. Includes: an historic perspective, chronology of site development, stores buildings concept and design, the designers, the design documents, remedial works, possible uses etc..

Scarce Queensland/ Brisbane History of the Naval Stores

$50.00

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The Tregurtha Log – Relating the Adventurous Life of Capt Edward Primrose Tregurtha.

A pretty sumptuous production by Published and Editor Dan Sprod. Published under his Blubber Press in 1980.

Folio, 166 pages, illustrated, tipped in volured plate and tipped in frontispiece, elaborate design to title page, end paper maps. A fine copy.

Limited to six hundred numbered copies, in this form, of which this is numbered 474, signed by Dan Sprod.

Cornishman Tregurtha led an adventurous life for sure. Started out in the Navy at none years old in the Napoleonic Wars. Then to East Indiamen to China. As a grown man to Hobart and Captain of the Caroline and South Sea Whaling. His Log the subject of this book was in the possession of Norman Whettenhall [a surname we know well] of Melbourne … we can’s imagine the excitement of Dan Sprod when he first read this treasure.

A rather stunning book and one hell of a story

$90.00

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Original 17th Century Engraving – French Naval Vessel – Allain Manesson Mallet – Paris 1683

An delightful original copper engraving from 1683. From one of the most magnificent illustrated works of the 17th Century, “Le Description de l’Univers”.

Covering all manner of things naval and cartographic this is a fine engraving of one of the principal ships of the French Navy.

Engraved area approximately 15cm by 10cm. Matted, with “French lines”, as shown in the second image.

Mallet (1630-1706) was a French cartographer and engineer. He started his career as a soldier in the army of Louis XIV became a Sergeant Major and an Inspector of Fortifications. His maps have a beautiful decorative and unique style.

17th Century Naval engraving matted ready to frame.

$90.00

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Naval – Military – Pre-20th Century

Voyage along the Eastern Coast of Africa to Mosambique, Johanna, and Quiloa; to St Helena; to Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, and Pernambuco in Brazil, in the Nisus Frigate – James Prior RN – 1819

Out with the Old Voyagers – Horace Groser – 1908

The Principall Navigations Voiages & Discoveries of the English Nation – Richard Hakluyt.

THE NAVAL STORES BRISBANE – An Historical Survey and Management Plan – Don Roderick

The Tregurtha Log – Relating the Adventurous Life of Capt Edward Primrose Tregurtha.

Original 17th Century Engraving – French Naval Vessel – Allain Manesson Mallet – Paris 1683

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