Maritime

Solomon Islands with the Unusual Fictitious Terre de Qvir – Mallet – 1683

An unusual and scarce original copper engraved map “Isles de Solomons” by Allain Mallet published in Paris in 1683 as part of his great work on “the Universe”.

One of the most intriguing Mallet maps. It purports to show that Queiros had a theory that a great land mass existed between the Solomon Islands and New Zealand … here named “Terre de Qvir” … similar to, or as a part, of the supposed great southern continent “Terra Australis”. Decorated with nine sailing ships.

In 1567 Alvarode Mendana de Neira (Mendana) set out from Lima to fine gold in the Pacific. Legend had it that the Biblical Ophir which had provided the gold for Solomon’s Temple lay somewhere out there. They sailed for over eighty days and 6,000 miles before the reached land … and here marked Isle St Isabelle. It was almost thirty years later in 1895 that Mendana set off on a voyage to colonise the Solomon’s, following Drake’s plundering of the Spanish interest on the west coast of South America . His Chief Pilot was Pedro Fernandes de Queiros and they set sail with four vessels and 378 individuals (including family, criminals, prostitutes etc). First, the discovered the Marquesas and treated the native people very badly, many of whom were killed as if for sport. They then went on to find the Santa Cruz Islands … but failed to find the Solomon Islands. They headed for Manilla and only 100 survived the dangerous adventure. Mendana died on the voyage.

Allain Manesson Mallet (1630-1706) was a French cartographer and engineer. He started his career as a soldier in the army of Louis XIV and became a Sergeant Major and an Inspector of Fortifications a role which afforded him the resources required to produce this treasure.

Price $120.00 unframed or $220.00 framed in Voyager style … enquire if you wish

Historical important mallet Map for the Pacific region from the Solomon Islands to New Zealand

$120.00

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The Discovery of the Clarie Coast Antarctic – Dumont d’Urville – 26th January 1840

An original beautifully executed lithograph by Louis Le Breton (1818-1866) published as part of the great “Atlas Pittoresque” to accompany “Voyage au Pole Sud et dans l’Oceanie sur les corvettes l’Astrolabe et la Zelee … sous commandement de M.J. Dumont d’Urville”.

After discovering and naming Adelie Land (After d’Urville’s wife) on the 22nd of January 1840 and making various explorations the Astrolabe and Zelee continued west in search of further land. A violent gale separated the two ships and Dumont d’Urville feared that he might have lost the Zelee. However, the sea calmed and the Zelee appeared and the vessels were re-united. Shortly afterwards the Astrolabe encountered the US Exploring Expedition under Captain Wilkes. Dumont d’Urville had heard of Wilkes’ intentions at Hobart and made all haste to make his the first discoveries … and he did so. The encounter with Wilkes was very strange and through a misunderstanding Wilkes thought his approach to the French vessel was rebuffed .. not so the French simply manoeuvred to avoid any chance of a physical encounter in these difficult waters. A couple of days later the French discovered further extensive coastline which d’Urville named Cote de Clarie or the Clarie Coast after the wife of Charles Jaquinot Captain of his support vessel Zelee. This was on 26th January 1840 and the event is recognised in this delightful lithograph. The US Wilkes expedition also found the Claire Coast, but not until February had arrived. The Americans sailed further on confirming a thousand plus mile stretch of land … likely because of this the region is known in Australia as Wilkes Land … not so in France!

Lithographed by P Blanchard on sturdy paper – 37 x 22cm to the edge of the image with very wide margin. Overall in excellent condition.

Price $340.00 unframed – rare

Antarctic discovery of the Clarie Coast 26th January 1840 Voyage of Dumont d’Urville.

$290.00

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The Life of Captain James Cook – J.C. Beaglehole

Published by Adam & Charles Black, London 1974 a first of this issue having been previously published by the Hakluyt Society.

Large “royal” octavo, 760 pages with 4 sketch maps, 1 foldout map, 4 coloured plates and 67 black and white illustrations. Slight sunning of dust jacket spine and hint of foxing as often the case. A very good copy. A heavy book that will require an Overseas postage supplement.

Many would agree the best authority on James Cook. John Beaglehole wrote the definitive analysis of James Cook’s three monumental voyages published by the Hakluyt Society. Likewise, this book, on the man himself, is a superb digestible (albeit 700+ pages) account and a must for Cook admirers with a thirst for knowledge.

Best “Cook Book” by far …

$90.00

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Wrecks & Reputations [The Loss of the Schomberg and Loch Ard] – Don Charlwood

Published by Angus & Robertson in 1977. A very good copy, 190 pages with fine dust jacket.

Don Charwood’s well researched tightly composed and nicely illustrated account of the difficulties of early vessels sailing through the Western entrance of the Bass Strait.

Particular reference to the fate of the Schomberg and the Loch Ard and to its only survivors Eva Carmichael and the young man that saved her Tom Pearce.

The fate of many other ships of the “Loch” brand are listed – leads one to conclude never to sail in a vessel named Loch anything!

What out for the rocks!

$25.00

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Early Maps – Tony Campbell

Another beautiful book on early cartography. Published in 1980 by Abbeville Press, New York.

Folio, of near square format, 147 pages heavily illustrated in colour with a number of fold-out reproductions. A fine copy of a book of high standard. A heavy book that might require some further postage assistance.

Tony Campbell was a Director of distinguished London map dealer Douwma. He was a regular contributor to Map Collector’s Circle, The Map Collector and Imago Mundi.

Set out geographically … The World; The Americas; Europe and the Mediterranean; Africa; Asia; Australia and the South Pacific …. very good narrative and glossary for further reference.

Early maps in all their beauty well explained and beautifully displayed.

$80.00

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Down Channel – McMullen

This is a 1931 third edition of the classic Victorian sailing account by Richard Turrell McMullen. First published in 1869.

Recognised as one of the first true leisure sailing books and not your polished deck type. Described as a virile record of incidents and operations of sailing in small craft in all weathers and under all condition. With a special introduction by Dixon Kemp and a biographical foreword by Arthur Ransome.

Published by George Allen, Octavo, 418 pages well illustrated, including four fold out charts and fold out plans of the vessel Procyon. Rare to find it in its dust jacket albeit with a couple of marks to front … done a good job protecting the book which is in very good condition.

McMullen sailed a number of vessels during his time and the book takes us chronologically through Leo; Sirius; Orion and the experimental Procyon. Super writing entertaining and informative.

McMullen an early treasure of a pleasure sailor

$50.00

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Solomon Islands with the Unusual Fictitious Terre de Qvir – Mallet – 1683

The Discovery of the Clarie Coast Antarctic – Dumont d’Urville – 26th January 1840

The Life of Captain James Cook – J.C. Beaglehole

Wrecks & Reputations [The Loss of the Schomberg and Loch Ard] – Don Charlwood

Early Maps – Tony Campbell

Down Channel – McMullen

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