Exploration

The Flight of the Small World [Ballooning Across the Atlantic] – Eiloart and Elstob

First edition published by Hodder, London in 1959. Octavo, 256 pages, lots of illustrations from original photographs of the adventures and mishappenings, also great technical drawings of the design and gear that was constructed purely around this project. Without the dust jacket but with all the action.

Taking off from the Canary Islands and making it 1,500 miles and almost all the way to Barbados before a calamitous ditching – eventually towed the final stretch by a friendly fishing boat.

About a third of the book taken up by all of the design, testing and preparatory work which makes for an interesting lengthy introduction to a truly remarkable adventure. Stuff for movie makers.

Ballooning the Atlantic – we should all give it a go!.

$25.00

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Admiral of the Ocean-Sea (Columbus) – Mary Johnston – 1927

A very good copy of the 1927 edition published by Butterworth, London. Rare with the dust jacket.

A novelisation of the adventures and achievements of Columbus. Octavo, 319 pages, red cloth covered boards protected by a pretty good dust jacket – as we say a scarcity. Double page chart of the voyages near the front. Some age to page edges otherwise super.

The discovery of America funded by Isabella of Spain. Told through the eyes of Jayme de Marchena a common seaman who rises to be ship’s physician and Columbus’s trusted friend and adviser.

Columbus and his adventures and discoveries.

$40.00

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Voyages and Discoveries – William Dampier – the Argonaut Edition 1931

There were two printings of this work by Argonaut Press London this is the upmarket edition spine vellum bound.

Published in 1931, printed by Morrison of Edinburgh, quarto, xxxvii, 376 pages. Printed on fine Japon vellum paper. Wine-red cloth bound with gilt device to front, true vellum spine with gilt titling. Limited to 975 copies. Woodcut on title by William Monk. Folding maps all present. A very good copy of a desirable Dampier. What looks like toning on the map is just our scanner on the polished japon paper … it’s as clean as a whistle.

With a long introduction and notes by Dampier expert Clennell Wilkinson. In our view this introduction is what sets this lovely book apart from the numerous facsimiles even those of fine printed quality.

Wilkinson explains the rather odd order of Dampier’s recollections … as they are not chronological but likely driven by the need to get paid in-between various adventurous explorations. Some early Dampier in Central America where he had to roll his sleeves up – and also his diaries. At one time in desperation whilst lost in Central American rain forests Dampier had to swim several raging creeks. To protect his diaries he used a sealed bamboo tube in which the rolled up diaries travelled. He was making notes early in life a habit he kept going until near the end. Piracy was soon his trade and then on to fame and sponsored explorer. Whilst back in England he mixed with the rich la-di-da and was sought after for upper crust social gatherings. Jonathan Swift likely knew him maybe not quite as the cousin he suggests of Gulliver. Swift was some fifteen years younger and would have read Dampier’s words which provided the inspiration for the settings of the “Travels

Sorry rambling – specifically, Part I Voyage to Achin, Malacca and Tonquin; Voyage to Tenan and a journey inland to Cachoa; After Tonquin – Cambodia and Bencouli then Achin in detail. Part II – Voyage to Campeachy, Jucatan, Alcranes and the Island of Pines. Various adventurous activities – Indians etc. Part II The [famous] Discourse of Winds, Storms, Seasons, Tides and Currents etc. Maps of the Streights of Malacca; Bay of Campechy; View of the General and Coasting Trade-Winds in the Atlantik and Indian Oceans; View of the General and Coasting Trade-Winds in the great South Ocean.

William Dampier if only he was alive today.

$130.00

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Oriental and Western Siberia – Atkinson

Published by Asian Educational, Delhi Madras in the year 2000. A faithful facsimile of the original published by Bradley, Philadelphia in 1859.

Longer title demonstrated territory covered … Oriental and Western Siberia: A Narrative of Seven Years’ Explorations and adventures in Siberia, Mongolia, The Kirghis Steppes, Chinese Tartary, and Part of Central Asia.

The author Thomas Witlam Atkinson certainly put the steps in (pun intended) and amasses a sizeable narrative in his lengthy period in Asia – super commitment and nice writing.

Octavo,483 pages, illustrated as in the original. Blue heavily embossed decorative hard covers. A little age but still very good. Good folded map in pocket at rear, too big to scan and showing the route(s) taken on the adventures.

Ceylon and its Natural History, more than a “sketch” by Tennent

$60.00

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United States Antarctic Program – Personnel Manual – 1994 edition

Published by the Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, Arlington VA.

Largish softcover, 70 pages. A manual on how to do things in the colder climates. Interspersed with historical information which provides perspective and readability.

Starts with a section on the first US expedition sealers and then the industrious Nathaniel Palmer in the 47 foot sloop Hero.

Usual chapters on preparations, safety, health, travel to and from etc. More interesting chapters on Conservation, the Stations and Vessels, Handling Cores etc Sanctuaries …

Very interesting section detailing the Historic Monuments – 60 in all and a summary of the Treaty which we should all understand before the day of reckoning – not too far away.

Is there a Polar Explorer /Historian in you – be prepared and informed!

$40.00

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Islands of Men – Inside Melanesia – Colin Simpson.

Another good book about Papua New Guinea, Fiji, New Hebrides and our favourite regional island Mer – by the knowledgeable Colin Simpson.

A first edition published in 1955 by Angus and Robertson. Octavo, 248 pages, nicely illustrated from photographs, some in colour, with decorative end papers. Dust jacket a little worn – still a very good copy.

Ion Idriess wrote about Mer and here we have Simpson putting his own keenly observed view of the island and the culture of its inhabitants.

Simpson in the broader Melanesia – unique view of customs – great images.

$30.00

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The Flight of the Small World [Ballooning Across the Atlantic] – Eiloart and Elstob

Admiral of the Ocean-Sea (Columbus) – Mary Johnston – 1927

Voyages and Discoveries – William Dampier – the Argonaut Edition 1931

Oriental and Western Siberia – Atkinson

United States Antarctic Program – Personnel Manual – 1994 edition

Islands of Men – Inside Melanesia – Colin Simpson.

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