Non-fiction

Treks and Palavers [Travels in Nigeria]-Richard Oakley – 1938

Before we go further “Palaver” is meant in the truest sense – an improvised meeting which was often held with groups to iron out some difficulty – Oakley was good with a palaver … Voyager likes this book – there is something special about it …

A first edition published by Seeley etc, London [they published a number of high quality serious travel accounts. Thick octavo, 300 pages, good sketch map and numerous full page illustrations from original photographs. No jacket, original red cloth covered binding, top edge stained red as required – very good condition.

A full and interesting account from Captain Oakley who was for a period a Magistrate in the Nigerian Administrative Service. He draws on other key references as well as his own extensive travels and experiences. We like it even more the deeper he gets into Nigeria up towards the Chad border. Surprisingly few good accounts on this African major and their now disappearing underlying culture(s)

Richard Oakley and one of the better accounts on Nigeria.

$60.00

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The Life of George Bass – Surgeon and Sailor of the Enlightenment – Miriam Estensen – Signed and Inscribed by the Author

Published by Allen & Unwin in 2005. Octavo, 259 pages, nicely illustrated and in fine condition.

A thorough account by the meticulous researcher Miriam Estensen .. the end notes and references take up the last 35 pages.

Boldly signed by the author, on the half title, as a gift to a clearly very good friend

Bass the surgeon, and a good one seemingly, more at home on the waves as an explorer adventurer. Later after much accomplished his adventures turned to money making and off he set for South America only to disappear. And throughout all this his beloved Bess … who he left following his primary passion. Estensen explores all of this and provides insight regarding his whereabouts at the end.

George Bass a truly adventures medic.

$30.00

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The Sextant Simplified [A Practical Explanation of the Use of the Sextant at Sea] – Oswald Watts

A later edition of this “go to” book on the sextant published by Thomas Reed, Sunderland etc in 1969.

Octavo, 100 pages, many diagrams and images to explain the use of the instrument as one would expect. A near fine copy.

First glance the sextant is a pretty simple and straightforward device. This book take one from the simple “take and angle” understanding to the more complex use and correction required have a solid and sure position – quite useful the sure bit when facing reefs and rock in previously new territory.

Sextant explained – enough to make you a master mariner – fill up the bathtub and go for it!

$35.00

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The Foraminifera: An Introduction to the Study of Protozoa- Frederick Chapmen – First edition 1902.

A first edition by Longman, Green et al, London in 1902.

Octavo, 354 pages after preliminaries, illustrated with the little foram beauties. A super work for those fascinated by this many varied and ubiquitous life form. Scarce and in good condition bar a bit of wear to the cloth at edges.

Frederick Chapman (1864-1943) studied and worked as Assistant in the Geological Laboratory at the Royal School of Chemistry, London before emigrating to Australia. He was given a position as palaeontologist at the National Museum Melbourne

Chapman shared his extensive knowledge in this important text on forams.

$120.00

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Geological Observations in South Australia – Tenison Woods – First Edition 1862

A first edition of Father Julian Edmund Tenison Woods (1832-1889) important work on the geology and palaeontology of South Australia – he would become one of the most significant contributors of the period.

Published by Longman Green, London in 1862. Octavo, 404 pages after preliminaries, 32 illustrations, 5 pages of plates and a map. Bound in half leather over cloth with marbled end papers and page edges. The embossed stamp of the New South Wales Library on the lower title approving their release of the book – some strange selections were and still are being made. A very good copy of a scarce and worthy book.

Tenison Woods and his first significant published work of Australian geology

$290.00

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The Minerals of New South Wales – Archibald Liversidge – 1888

Extremely scarce and important work on the minerals of New South Wales. Published in London by Trubner. Octavo, 326 pages after preliminaries, original binding, large coloured folding map frontispiece. Some foxing to ends and edges affecting the map, splitting a little at the front hinge. Accept this for its scarcity and relevance to the history of geology in Australia and specifically NSW.

Archibald Liversidge (1846-1927) studied at the Royal College od Chemistry then Cambridge where he founded the Natural Sciences Club. He moved to Australia and at 27 years old was appointed as a Reader in Geology at Sydney University> here he revolutionised the study of minerals and their potential applications.

This work was first issued in 1886 in a much smaller form, this 1988 edition adds significantly. Divided into two sections metallic and non-metallic. All editions scarce.

Liversidge set the standard – 1888

$340.00

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Treks and Palavers [Travels in Nigeria]-Richard Oakley – 1938

The Life of George Bass – Surgeon and Sailor of the Enlightenment – Miriam Estensen – Signed and Inscribed by the Author

The Sextant Simplified [A Practical Explanation of the Use of the Sextant at Sea] – Oswald Watts

The Foraminifera: An Introduction to the Study of Protozoa- Frederick Chapmen – First edition 1902.

Geological Observations in South Australia – Tenison Woods – First Edition 1862

The Minerals of New South Wales – Archibald Liversidge – 1888

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