Exploration

Whaling Voyages in the Pacific (1823-1829) – The Dalton Journal – Edited by Niel Gunson

Published National Library of Australia, 1990. First Edition, 140 pages with illustrations and bibliography. Original maroon cloth with title lettered in gilt on spine and front board, inlay of scrimshaw on front board, a fine copy. No dust jacket as issued.

A rare British account of whaling activities in the South Seas (1823-1829), a field dominated by American journals. Provides an eyewitness account of the death of Captain James Cook recalled by a group of elderly Hawaiians. Records the discoveries of Phoenix Island and Canton Island, the new light on the opening up of the Pacific to missionary activity and European settlement.

More than Whaling in this fine journal

$40.00

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In the Land of Pearl and Gold – Alexander MacDonald – First Edition 1907

First edition 1907. A Pioneer’s wanderings in the backblocks and Pearling grounds of Australia and New Guinea.

A nice copy with the striking front board illustration. Prospecting, mining and travel experiences in and around Australia with an excursion into New Guinea.

Good collectable relevant with nice illustrations

$120.00

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A Naturalist in Cannibal Land – 1913 – Arthur Stewart Meek

Meek (1871-1943) was born into a Natural History family. Before he was twenty he was at Coomooboolaroo Station in Queensland collecting for the great Lionel Rothschild for his zoo at Tring. He then travelled New Guinea and the Solomons for both Tring and the Natural History Museum. This is a second impression in very good condition.

This is the book on his travels. Amongst his great finds were the holotyoe and paratype of the Woodlark venomous snake, rare there are still only twelve specimens known. In 1906 he discovered (and shot) the first specimen of the Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing Butterfly … the largest in the world.

Many species are named after him … a crested pigeon, lorikeet, pygmy-parrot, crow, dwarf kingfisher etc and several butterflies and moths.

Meek a fearless Natural Historian who made his mark in New Guinea and the Solomons

$160.00

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Patrolling in Papua – 1923 – First Edition W.R. Humphries

Extremely rare London First 1923. Very good condition bar some occasional foxing. Bright and tight boards as published.

W.R. (Dickie) Humphries arrived in Papua in 1917 and took over an ambitious patrolling plan under the guidance of Hubert Murray. This excellent book records in detail a number of exploratory expeditions. Taking in Nepa, Tiveris, Kerma and Christmas on the Lakekamu, the Kukukukus and their raids on Nepa. Off into the unknown … ascending Mount Chapman and to the valley at Kwolum, friendly natives (rare) at Biaru and gigantic cigars. Ascending Mount Waria and a close shave. At Dunai-ia strange graves and thumb nails and to Boli, Nele and Morobe before turning back to Kokoda. Nicely illustrated with unique with over 40 photographic images. In 1924 Humphries escorted Frank Hurley on his famous photographic expedition into the Mount Yule area.

Scarce as they get patrolling expeditions immediately post WWI

$190.00

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The Ancient Ruins of Rhodesia – Hall and Neal – First Edition 1902 – A Special Book with Superb Map

A first edition of Hall and Neal’s legendary book about the ancient ruins of Rhodesia.

The binding is in very good condition and the gilt top edge clean and bright as day one. The pages are rough cut as required and there is some foxing internally as usual especially around the many plates where there is a change in paper type. Accepting this it is a very good copy with the gilt device to the front board strong and impressive. There is no fading along the bottom of the front cover that is just a glitch with Voyager’s scanner!

11 plans some folding along with 36 plates and a massive folding map of the ruins and ancient gold mines. An incredible effort and a Voyager favourite.

Early history in Zimbabwe that will surprise.

$170.00

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La Favorite – Au Mouillage Durant la Colla de Manille – Lauvergne – 1835

An original engraving by Barthelemy Lauvergne (1805-1875) of the French Vessel La Favorite using a shackle anchor in high seas. Executed on India-laid paper being plate number 32 from “Voyage Autour du Monde par les Mers de l’Inde et de la Chine de la corvette de sa Majeste La Favorite execute pendant les annees 1830,1831,1832 sous le commandement de M. Laplace” published in Paris in 1835 under the direction of Louise Auguste de Sainson.

Le Favorite arrived in Hobart on the 11th July 1830 and stayed until the 7th August before sailing for Sydney.

Some foxing away from the plate image and minor marks still a very good example and we believe well priced.

Plate size 28.8 x 38.2 cm. Included in the National Collection as part of the Rex Nan Kivell bequest NK685

La Favorite at anchor in rough seas … click on me to see all of me!

$140.00

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Whaling Voyages in the Pacific (1823-1829) – The Dalton Journal – Edited by Niel Gunson

In the Land of Pearl and Gold – Alexander MacDonald – First Edition 1907

A Naturalist in Cannibal Land – 1913 – Arthur Stewart Meek

Patrolling in Papua – 1923 – First Edition W.R. Humphries

The Ancient Ruins of Rhodesia – Hall and Neal – First Edition 1902 – A Special Book with Superb Map

La Favorite – Au Mouillage Durant la Colla de Manille – Lauvergne – 1835

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