Description

• Rare first edition copy [R.B. Bate, London, 1840] with significant Australian maritime provenance; [2 blank], xxiii, [Corrections & Additions, blank], 330, [2 blank] pages
• Landmark work by Henry Raper, Lieut. R.N., which was to become the standard navigational text recommended to all seafarers, and bearing the ownership inscription of Master Mariner Henry Thomas Fox
• At the time of this listing, there was only one physical copy of this 1840 first edition held in an Australian institution [State Library of NSW]. SLNSW also holds diaries and other papers of Henry Fox
• Digitised version of the copy held by Harvard University available to view [click here]
• Our copy is in excellent condition given due consideration of its age and utilitarian nature. There is considerable toning of the leaves but the text remains unaffected. The 1/3 leather binding is very strong although front board is separated at top 6cm; includes two silk ribbon markers [both separated from binding]. As pictured, the boards are sea-worn, rubbed & bumped but this damage is superficial
• With its provenance, this is a unique copy of a rare and important book which will not only enhance but anchor [pun intended, sorry] any serious maritime book collection