Maritime

Voyage along the Eastern Coast of Africa to Mosambique, Johanna, and Quiloa; to St Helena; to Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, and Pernambuco in Brazil, in the Nisus Frigate – James Prior RN – 1819

A first edition of this full on voyage and travel account by the articulate James Prior. Published by Sir Richard Phillips & Co, London in 1819.

A lovely internal copy rebound in grey/green paper covered boards, as was typical of a primary binding of the true period, gilt on red leather title to spine. Octavo, 114 pages with special three fold map dated 1810 drawn by W M Cobb RN, also printed by Phillips. Another folding chart of the Harbour at Mozambique (note the different spelling) and a striking engraved view of the Town and Fort at Mozambique.

Well we have to be careful as this book is right in Voyager’s sweet spot. The narrative content is far fuller physically than the 114 pages suggest. First simply due to the format and the lines and words set per page, but also because Prior’s writing style is honed and full of interesting detail – no padding.

The long title gives you an idea of the coverage. Voyager’s favourite island, St Helena, is tackled well and one gets a great idea of the first impression on approach and the manner and detail of James Town and the various Plantation houses up “Ladder Hill” … “Ruperts Hill” etc.

Not in the title we also learn about the Comoro Islands … out from Mozambique and north west of Madagascar … this group of four ex volcanic islands probably the most beautiful place in the World. The Comoro islands was the primary reason behind the voyage as the King of Comoro had sought help against “predatory expeditions” of several thousand warriors from Madagascar. War was not the solution conferences were held – we can learn from that.

Good content on Rio and Brazil so don’t be confused by the lead in to the title …

Taking you back to the beginning and Prior has arrived at Cape Town where of all things he is off to the races … “the course is on Green Point, on the verge of the Bay: it was attended my multitudes, some in handsome vehicles … filled with females of every age, class and complexion. A dinner to the members concluded the meeting, followed of course by a ball … and the amusements of the week finished, on Saturday, with a private race, a cock-fight, the execution of several malefactors near the ground, and a dual between two gentlemen holding official situations, nearly fatal; so that we could not complain of want of variety”

We had to show you this even though it is not typical of the narrative – different times!

Interesting early 19thC Voyage from east Africa to Brazil

$390.00

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Out with the Old Voyagers – Horace Groser – 1908

By Horace G Groser and published by Andrew Melrose, London a third edition with our preferred “gold theme” covers. The book that was the inspiration behind Voyager.

Octavo, 276 pages with 37 full page illustrations. Pictorial covers to die for with the super Voyager script … like modern day Vivaldi. Free endpaper excised and a little top of frontis – a name that was not to be left. Otherwise a super solid copy.

A solid history of early seafaring starting with Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, Columbus, Magellan and the Cabots. Frobisher to the North and Sir John Hawkins out to the West Indies. Drake around the World … Davis to Greenland, Lancaster. And then Berents to Nova Zembla. The 16th Century just over and the four voyages of Henry Hudson to complete.

Voyager’s favourite inspirational Voyagers

$70.00

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Australian Antarctic Expedition 1911-14. Scientific Reports Series C – Zoology and Botany – Vol VIII Part III – Echinodermata Echinoidea [Urchins].

By Professor Rene Koehler, Lyon France – edited by professor Launcelot Harrison, University of Sydney.

We have mentioned previously about how long it took to get the scientific reports from Mawson’s expedition published. This one 1926 so twelve years after the event.

It is alos interesting how widely the field samples were dispersed in this process. This one from Lyon printed in Sydney in French without an English translation. So one for those that have the linguistic capability or the knowledge to interpret, and admire, the thirty three magnificent plates full page plates.

Large format, soft cover, staple bound as issued, 134 pages of narrative followed the plates, very good condition.

Cold water urchins given the French treatment with super plates

$60.00

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Printed Maps of St Kitts, St Lucia and St Vincent – R.V. Tooley

The Map Collectors’ Circle publication published Nos 81 by the great R.V. Tooley in 1972. Very good condition. Australian cartographic expert and publish author T.M. Perry’s copy with his stamp.

In the ubiquitous flesh coloured card covers, design to front. 19 pages of detailed catalogue plus 25 plates of maps.

All three of these islands were “discovered” by Colombus in 1493, 1502 and 1498 respective to the title.

St Kitts also went by the name St Christopher. Variously they were controlled by the British [ St Kitts Britain’s oldest colony 1623]. Control exchanged hands between the British, French and Spanish are various times settling as British Colonies in the early 19thC.

Because of all of this “carry-on” there are some striking early maps of the islands and the broader West Indies – the key examples are here.

More than hot pepper sauce the beautiful trilogy in the Caribbean.

$35.00

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Lord Howe Island – Its Discovery and Early Associations 1788 to 1888 – Harold Rabone

Published Sydney in 1972. This little card cover, 54 pages, illustrated, maps and nice images from photographs is a gem for any Norfolk Island devotee.

Every time I look at images of Lord Howe I just want to go and live there … probably don’t qualify. The early history is interesting and we find that Ball’s Pyramid, perhaps the most striking rock in the World … (up there with Old Man Of Hoy) was spotted by Captain Ball .. there you go.

At the risk of being too flippant we reference early maritime explorers, whalers, Pitcairn people bring disease, the Thetis Scientists and the visit of HMS Pearl etc

Lord Howe History a very honed effort by the knowledgeable Rabone

$25.00

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Tasmanian – Sea Wolves and Bandits – L. Norman – Scarce First edition 1946

Maybe out favourite Tasmanian book. Published by the author printed by Walch, Hobart in 1946.

Large octavo, 208 pages heavily illustrated with images from early photographs across a broad subject base … many maritime, early building of note and key identities and groups, folding frontispiece of the Knight designed floating bridge. A very nice copy.

Starts with a “Chronology Statement of Curious and Interesting Facts” which makes for good introductory reading. Includes chapters on .. Privateering; Military Camps; First Roads; Duelling in VDL; Railways; the Gay 90’s; Bicycling: Sealers and Wreckers; Smuggling and Piracy; Early Banditry; Brigands of the Twenties; First Hobart Town Whaler … and much more

Tasmanian Maritime History Treasure

$90.00

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Voyage along the Eastern Coast of Africa to Mosambique, Johanna, and Quiloa; to St Helena; to Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, and Pernambuco in Brazil, in the Nisus Frigate – James Prior RN – 1819

Out with the Old Voyagers – Horace Groser – 1908

Australian Antarctic Expedition 1911-14. Scientific Reports Series C – Zoology and Botany – Vol VIII Part III – Echinodermata Echinoidea [Urchins].

Printed Maps of St Kitts, St Lucia and St Vincent – R.V. Tooley

Lord Howe Island – Its Discovery and Early Associations 1788 to 1888 – Harold Rabone

Tasmanian – Sea Wolves and Bandits – L. Norman – Scarce First edition 1946

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