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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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Hunting and Shooting in Ceylon – Harry Storey

A facsimile of another colonial hunting book – not for the faint-hearted.

Originally published by Longmans, London in 1907; this by Asian Educational of Delhi etc in 1998.

Octavo, 366 pages, illustrations as in the original. Faux leather binding, gilt embellishment, some occasional marks, still a pretty good copy.

Lots of contributions from his gunpowder loving friends and the whole gambit of Ceylonese wildlife put at risk. Forgive our implied – actually a very good book of its type – honest and fulsome. Nicely written with an “in the moment” narrative and images couldn’t be better chosen – some coverage of ancient ruins – such as the impressive Polonnaruwa.

Banging on in Ceylon with Harry.

$30.00

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The Hunter Sketchbook. Birds & Flowers of New South Wales drawn on The Spot in 1788 89 & 90 By Captain John Hunter of the First Fleet.

A really rather beautiful and slightly strangely titled work.

We say strangely titled because we do not have to read far about the original sketchbook, (once owned by the great Rex Nan Kivell and now housed in the Australian National Library) to find that the sketches include fishes and people … and of New South Wales and also Norfolk and Lord Howe islands. Peeking at the reproductions of the sketches we can also see a kangaroo and a dolphin. What is really surprising is the rarity now of some of the birds he drew e.g. the Swift Parrot and we wonder where he saw that bird …

Captain Hunter, to be Governor Hunter, known as a skilled sketch artist through the illustrations in his sought after First Fleet journal .. but these images take one’s understanding and admiration to a whole new level.

No expense spared production limited to 500 copies and with a further 50 sets of unbound plates. Edited by John Calaby with assistance. Published in 1989. Quarto, x, 252 pages with 100 full page colour plates and other illustrations in the lengthy introductions. Bound in quarter calf, raised bands to spine, separate green leather title label, exotic marble paper covered boards, original removable glassine protector, silk ribbon release from original open slip cover. A fine copy.

A special edition from a unique work of historical significance – an Australian National Treasure.

$190.00

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The Silent Service – Ion Idriess and T.M. Jones – First edition 1944

Published by Angus and Robertson, Sydney during WWII. A bit foxed particularly, title and page edges.

A super book about the part played by the Australian and New Zealand navies during WWII. Idriess’s co-contributor was know as Torpedo-Man.

Octavo, 338 , end paper maps, chipped but quite worthwhile dust jacket.

A very worthwhile book and these should not be forgotten exploits.

$50.00

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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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The Natural History of Ceylon – J Emerson Tennant

A good facsimile of this scarce book by the man who knew Ceylon so well. First published by Longman, London in 1861.

Longer title … Sketches of the Natural History of Ceylon with Narratives and Anecdotes illustrative of the Habits and Instincts of the Mammalia, Birds, Reptiles, Fishes etc including a Monograph of The Elephant and a description of the Modes of Capturing and Training It- with engravings from original drawings.

Re-published by Asian Educational Services, Delhi, Madras in 1999. Octavo, 500 pages, embossed faux leather binding, gilt a touch worn, a little age but a good faithful facsimile of an important work of the period.

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

$60.00

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All products

Voyages and Discoveries – William Dampier – the Argonaut Edition 1931

Hunting and Shooting in Ceylon – Harry Storey

The Hunter Sketchbook. Birds & Flowers of New South Wales drawn on The Spot in 1788 89 & 90 By Captain John Hunter of the First Fleet.

The Silent Service – Ion Idriess and T.M. Jones – First edition 1944

Oriental and Western Siberia – Atkinson

The Natural History of Ceylon – J Emerson Tennant

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