Exploration

A Geographical, Historical and Topographical Description of Van Diemen’s Land – by George Evans – First Edition 1822

A very good copy of the first edition of this important early book devoted to Tasmania, published by Souter London in 1822. Octavo, xii, 140 pages with 2 tables and lists plus the famous frontispiece a very early engraved folding view of Hobart after a sketch by the author. Bound in original papered boards [rare to be as issued] with a later somewhat crude calf spine. A hint of foxing and the odd crease otherwise as good a copy as one will find.

Carries the armorial bookplate John Francis Basset (1831-1869), on the front pastedown. The Basset’s were Norman settlers following William the Conquerer. They had a large country home Tehidy Park in Cornwall. A long line of Basset’s were the High Sheriff of Cornwall including John Francis.

and the later bookplate of Salve, Lowenac, Camborne. Cambourne is also in Cornwall and there is a nice Hotel at Lowenac … Salve, we believe, is a local greeting … good wishes, best of health etc.

Title continues… with Important Hints to Emigrants, and Useful Information respecting the Application for Grants of Land; together with a List of the Most Necessary Articles For Persons to Take Out etc. The whole “embellished by a Correct View of Hobart Town”.

Contents include – Advertisement by the Editor (dealing with the Lieutenant Jeffrey’s book that plagiarised Evans). A general description of the discovery and exploration of the island, early population; climate and seasonal issues and a description of its topography and agricultural possibilities; the towns and villages, roads, commerce and field sports and the bushrangers. The appendices detail land granted in the Colony.

A good copy of a scarce early Tasmanian item

$690.00

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The Life of John Ledyard the American Traveller; comprising Selections from His Journals and Correspondence. – Jared Sparks – First edition 1828

First edition of this scarce work published by Henry Colburn, London in 1828.

Octavo, 428 pages, bound in green cloth binding with gilt titles and library call no to spine. New ends but front free endpaper retained – manuscript ownership note George Stokes, Hean Castle – August 31, 1842. Despite the binding the interior is as clean and crisp, the odd spot but really very good if not better.

America’s first true explorer who was with James Cook on his third fateful voyage to the Pacific, Northwest Coast of America, Alaska and Hawaii. Ledyard subsequently attempted to reach America by traversing Russia. He died whilst exploring the Nile.

Ledyard did not publish during is foreshortened life. After his death, his journals and papers and other materials were collected by his relative Dr Isaac Ledyard. That was a far as he got, and it was down to Jared Sparks to edit and arrange the narrative for publication. Little is changed in the journals etc the words are those of the traveller explorer.

Over fifty pages are devoted to Cook’s voyage. Of particular interest is that Ledyard was in the landing party with Cook at Kearakekua [Kealakekua] Bay, Hawaii “and was near his person’ when Cook was slain. His narrative of the events and his views on Cook’s approach to the encounter with the natives are unique. Many other interesting elements … such as organising a party to climb Hawaii’s highest mountain (near 14,000 feet) Mouna Roa … give a clue to the explorer he became.

His travels in Siberia were extensive, completing some lengthy stretches by canoe … eventually politics and confusion came into play, and he was arrested by order of the Empress Catherine the Great. He survived … but not the Nile … the plans for which he part formulated with Joseph Banks in London. He died in Cairo after having taken too much vitriolic (sulphuric) acid seemingly to deal with heartburn!

Ledyard’s Travels Important Cook Content and More

$390.00

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Roald Amundsen’s Journey in Flight – From Pole to Pole – Garth Cameron.

Hard to find in Australia possibly because of the unusual publisher Skyhorse Publishing albeit first American 2014 having been published by the equally difficult to find Pen and Sword, England version of the previous year.

Octavo, 199 pages, illustrated throughout, maps and from original photographs. Useful although sometimes patronising glossary of terms [we do know what an aircraft is]. Very good if not fine copy.

Amundsen’s aviation involvement and it was extensive and, given the period, rather experimental. He was lost through it in the end … his list of life achievements is undoubtedly heroic – we find this side of him all that more interesting.

The writer a New Zealander with a love of flying – powered and gliding produces a well researched book – the presentation has a hint of a self-published style likely because of then Skyhorse – but we like it.

Amundsen in the air – the cold air that is – a significant story and one that was his end.

$35.00

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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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Elliot Brothers – Strand London – Prismatic Compass – c1880

A working Victorian prismatic compass by the esteemed Elliot Brothers.

Constructed of blackened brass, 9.5cm in diameter, weight 160 gm. Engraved on the sighting arm “Elliot Bros. 449 Strand London”. Also, likely first owners name engraved on the rear “Herbert J Dauberry”. The sighting arm still contains its “horsehair” and lifts and stays in the vertical position. The hinged prism can be moved to its operating position over the base plate. With the compass held steady and flat a notch on the prism body is aligned with the horsehair on the arm. A compass reading can be taken through the magnified prism lens, the compass can be held in position via a locking pin under the arm. The compass rotates freely, and the lead glass is unusually free of scratches. Really quite a special object.

William Elliot founded his business at Gray’s Inn, London in 1800. He started by making fine drawing instruments. By 1807 he had moved to High Holborn and by 1816 was making telescope and barometers. In 1830 he moved to 56 The Strand and his sons joined the partnership. They began making surveying instruments particularly for the fast-developing railway industry. In 1853 Willam died, and the sons continued as Elliot Brothers. They moved to larger premises at 449 The Strand sometime around 1860 and were there until another move to St Martin’s Lane circa 1890 – so we can have a good stab at the date of manufacture.

The business continued to flourish and eventually became part of G.E.C. and then Siemens.

Quality Prismatic Compass – by Distinguished Elliot Bros.

$160.00

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A Geographical, Historical and Topographical Description of Van Diemen’s Land – by George Evans – First Edition 1822

The Life of John Ledyard the American Traveller; comprising Selections from His Journals and Correspondence. – Jared Sparks – First edition 1828

Roald Amundsen’s Journey in Flight – From Pole to Pole – Garth Cameron.

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

Elliot Brothers – Strand London – Prismatic Compass – c1880

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