Naval - Military - Pre-20th Century | Archive | Voyager Rare Books Maps & Prints

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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The Principall Navigations Voiages & Discoveries of the English Nation – Richard Hakluyt.

One of the most important of the many worthwhile Hakluyt Society publications – this one the work of effectively the “founder” or at least founding inspiration. A facsimile with embellishments of the famous 16thC work

Published by Cambridge University Press for the Society in 1965. Extra series number XXIX. Largish quarto, two volumes comprising fifty plus pages of introductions regarding the character of the work, medieval source, unpublished work and near the end of that a wonderful check-list of surviving copies – amazing how many of which have made there way to the USA – lucky them. With their original dust jackets – a very good set. Heavy, not really and overseas purchase option on their own.

The balance of the volumes constitutes 836 pages, plus a very useful modern index. The index is a real gem as Hakluyt’s work at first unwieldly opens up when you know where to look. Hakluyt also organised his work into three Parts – First South and Southeast; Second North and Northeast and the final Third Part West, Southwest and Northwest – so that helps.

Hakluyt a monumental work of seafaring history – how on earth did he do it?

$180.00

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THE NAVAL STORES BRISBANE – An Historical Survey and Management Plan – Don Roderick

A unique item. Landscape presentation, 103 pages, copied and perfect bound monochrome illustrations throughout in good plus condition. Produced for the Queensland Government in 1984.

An Historical Survey and Management Plan. Unusual and rare. Typescript reproduced on a duplicating machine. Includes: an historic perspective, chronology of site development, stores buildings concept and design, the designers, the design documents, remedial works, possible uses etc..

Scarce Queensland/ Brisbane History of the Naval Stores

$50.00

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Naval Warfare in the Age of Sail – Bernard Ireland.

A first edition published by Harper Collins, London in the year 2000. A substantial book that will require an Overseas postage supplement.

Largeish quarto, 240 pages, heavily illustrated throughout. A very good copy. Marine collector Naughton’s bookplate on front paste down. The writer and the illustrator both veterans of “naval publication” including elements of Jane’s.

The period 1756 – 1815 was one of heightened naval conflict like no other time. George III was the British Monarch through this entire period … the Seven Years’ War; The American War of Independence; The Revolutionary War; Napoleon and the War of 1812. It must have seemed strange when it was all over?

All the wars and most of the ships.

$40.00

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Ships Figureheads – Complete Set of John Player’s Cards – 1931

A complete set of 25 vibrantly coloured cigarette cards used to promote John Player’s cigarettes – issued in 1931.

The first time we have had this set and already our favourite. A maritime delight. Each card has an interesting narrative on the back … a wee bit better and more informative than other sets we believe.

In protective sleeve as shown .. the odd insignificant mark – a really good set.

Naval vessels include … Princess Royal, Queen Charlotte, Colossus, Seahorse, Bellerophon (We prefer “Billy Ruffian”), Royal Sovereign, Black Prince, Victory (hurray), Terra Nova, Formidable etc etc.

We have seen this set mounted for display. One of the few that can still get away with that treatment in the “modern home”!

Complete set and a nautical delight

$120.00

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Naval – Military – Pre-20th Century

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

The Principall Navigations Voiages & Discoveries of the English Nation – Richard Hakluyt.

THE NAVAL STORES BRISBANE – An Historical Survey and Management Plan – Don Roderick

Naval Warfare in the Age of Sail – Bernard Ireland.

Ships Figureheads – Complete Set of John Player’s Cards – 1931

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