Pacific Islands

Argonauts of the Western Pacific – Bronislaw Malinowski. Professor Brian J. Egloff’s copy.

An account of Native Enterprise and Adventures in the Archipelagos of Melanesian New Guinea.

A 1960’s edition of Malinowski’s other landmark book published by Routledge, London. Octavo, 527 pages with 5 maps and 65 illustrations from original photographs. Original blue cloth covered boards, gilt titles, some insignificant rubbing, no dust jacket, still a very good copy.

A richly illustrated account of the ceremonial exchange of manufactured shell valuables linking the Trobriand Islands with other island groups in Eastern New Guinea. Malinowski follows a canoe voyage around the Kula ring of islands.

Following and introduction about subject, method and scope which is regarded as some of the most influential pages in the field of social anthropology .. Malinowski explores the country and inhabitants of Kula; the Natives of the Trobriand Islands; Canoes and sailing; Ceremonial Buildings at Waga; Ceremonial Visiting; an Overseas Expedition; the Fleet at Muwa; Sailing to Pilolu; a Shipwreck; in the Amphlets – the Sociology of the Kula; Tewara and Sanaroa- mythology; the beach at Sarubwoyna; the journey Home; the return visit of the Dobuans to Sinaketa; Magic and Kula; the Power of Words in Magic; Expeditions to Kiriwinan d Kitava …. The meaning of Kula.

Brian John Egloff an American born anthropologist spent time in New Guinea, holding senior position in the then newly established National Museum. Later in Australia he rose to be Associate Professor of Cultural Heritage Management at the University of Canberra

Malinowski a pioneer in the field of social anthropology and perhaps not yet eclipsed and, the most interesting of subjects.

$60.00

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Children of Cape Horn – Rosie Swale

First edition of Rosie Swales very readable account of one of the greatest “family” voyages of all time.

Published by Paul Elek, London in 1974. Octavo, 242 pages, illustrated with end paper maps, images from voyage photographs and diagrams in the text.

An 18 month voyage leaving Gibraltar on 19th December 1971 … across to Barbados and through the Panama Canal and a course across the Pacific via the glorious Pacific Islands route to Sydney. Back along the roaring forties and around the Horn and on up and up to Plymouth arriving 1st July 1973. Lots of adventure, some danger and frivolity along the way.

Talented Rosie and Colin Swale – proper sailing with family in tow.

$25.00

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The Mapmakers Art (Essays on the History of Maps) – Edward Lynam

There seems to be a posthumous book for every Head of the Maps Room at the British Museum.

This one from the work of Edward Lynam who preceded Skelton (see our copy of his posthumous book). Perry’s copy with his signature.

Published by the Batchworth Press, London a first edition1953. Small quarto 140 pages nicely illustrated throughout with some map images that rarely appear elsewhere. A couple of chips to the dust jacket, a very goo copy considering the age and likely use.

We like this one a lot … the angle being an early and unusual approach to map making with an aesthetic appeal. Starts with the Character of England in Maps; Period Ornament, writing and Symbols on Maps; Saxton; Flemish Engravers; William Hack and the South Sea Buccaneers [Magnificent]; Early Days in the Bahamas etc.

Finishes with a full list of books and articles by Edward Lynam

Voyager Favourite – a unique approach.

$40.00

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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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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 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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Argonauts of the Western Pacific – Bronislaw Malinowski. Professor Brian J. Egloff’s copy.

Children of Cape Horn – Rosie Swale

The Mapmakers Art (Essays on the History of Maps) – Edward Lynam

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

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

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

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