The Practice of Navigation and Nautical Astronomy [1840 1st edition]

$1,100

By Lt Henry Raper

Rare First Edition of this landmark work, plus exciting maritime provenance

In stock

Description

Rare First Edition [R.B. Bate, London, 1840] of this 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 which, incidentally, also holds diaries and other papers of Henry Fox].

There is a 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 1/2 leather binding is very strong although front board is separated at top 4cm; includes two silk ribbon markers. As pictured, the boards are sea-worn but not damaged to any great extent.

With its provenance, this is a unique copy of a rare and important book which will not only enhance but possibly anchor [pun intended, sorry] any serious maritime book collection.