Non-fiction

Lord Rochester’s Monkey (Being the Life of John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester) – Graham Greene – First Edition 1974

Graham Green had written this lengthy biography in the early 1930’s. Rochester’s work and life were considered rather racy for the period and there was difficulty getting it published.

Moving the clock forward to 1974 and it is finally published backed up by some very good relevant illustrations.

Published by the Bodley Head, London in 1974. Large octavo (25cm by 19cm) 231 pages with numerous illustrations many in colour. A very good copy.

Rochester the second Earl (the first having hidden Charles up the Oak tree) was well favoured by the restored King Charles II. He had an incredible brain, although at Oxford spent the entire time drunk. He entered the King’s Court at an early age after a surprisingly distinguished naval career. His writing of odes and poetry was of the highest standard although cutting; a wit to the extreme. A wit not held back on the King himself who saw Rochester off to the Tower to reflect. Supposed to be the author of the erotic play Sodom, based on the debauch Court of Charles. None of his work was published in his lifetime … he died at an early age from medical complications associated with his wild life.

Lord Rochester his life was not Monkey Business

$60.00

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Shipwreck and Discovery of the Pelew Islands: An Account of the Pelew Islands situated in the Western Part of the Pacific Ocean, composed from the Journals and Communications of Captain Henry Wilson, and some of his Officers who, in August 1783, were there Shipwrecked in the Antelope … George Keate – First Edition 1788

Published by G Nicol, Booksellers to His Majesty the King, Pall Mall, Lonon in 1788. Quarto, xxvii, 378 pages. Early full polished calf binding later re-backed, spine in compartments with gilt lettered contrasting labels; unusual circular only and gilt supralibros to both boards. A little wear and a few age marks otherwise a super copy.

Frontispiece and sixteen magnificent engravings 8 of which are folding. Frontispiece of Wilson and an important folding map of the islands and their relationship with The Philippines, also a three-fold plan or view of the islands.

The supralibros or emblem to front and back is that of Lord George Nugent-Grenville who was the 2nd Baron Nugent (1789-1850) and Irish politician at one time Lord of the Treasury and Lord High Commissioner
Of the Ionian Islands – living the high life in Corfu – tough gig.

Composed from the journals and communications of Captain Wilson and his Officers who in 1783 were shipwrecked in the Antelope a packet belonging to the Honourable East India Company. They hit a reef near one of the Palau (Pelew) Island, a previously unexplored group. The entire crew managed to get ashore safely, where they were well treated by the natives and eventually managed to build a small vessel from the wreck in which they reached Macao. They took Prince Lee Boo, one of King Adda Thulle’s sons, with them to England, where he made a very good impression. Unhappily despite of precautions he died of smallpox. Keate was the author of numerous books of poetry, history, and letter, and counted Captain Wilson as well as Voltaire amongst his friends.

First Edition1788 – the plates in this edition are amongst the finest. Excellent provenance.

$1,290.00

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Il a ete prime – Pochoir by Gose – Gazette du Bon Ton 1914

A beautiful hand coloured “Pochoir” by Francisco Javer Gose (1868-1915) for the Paris Gazette du Bon Ton published in 1914.

“Il a ete prime” he was rewarded – as is she with the stunning deco evening outfit. Technically before the advent of deco but surely, she is a deco lady with her deco accoutrements.

The hobble skirt in silk particular to a tight [pun] fashion period which ended circa this date. The hobble skirt was designed after Mrs Edith Berg tied up her skirt to stop it flapping as she became the first aircraft passenger – look it up its an interesting by-story.

The ultimate in fashion print from a perfect era.

Price $180.00 unframed

One of the most sophisticated Bon Ton’s

$180.00

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A Geographical, Historical and Topographical Description of Van Diemen’s Land – by George Evans – First Edition 1822

A very good copy of the first edition of this important early book devoted to Tasmania, published by Souter London in 1822. Octavo, xii, 140 pages with 2 tables and lists plus the famous frontispiece a very early engraved folding view of Hobart after a sketch by the author. Bound in original papered boards [rare to be as issued] with a later somewhat crude calf spine. A hint of foxing and the odd crease otherwise as good a copy as one will find.

Carries the armorial bookplate John Francis Basset (1831-1869), on the front pastedown. The Basset’s were Norman settlers following William the Conquerer. They had a large country home Tehidy Park in Cornwall. A long line of Basset’s were the High Sheriff of Cornwall including John Francis.

and the later bookplate of Salve, Lowenac, Camborne. Cambourne is also in Cornwall and there is a nice Hotel at Lowenac … Salve, we believe, is a local greeting … good wishes, best of health etc.

Title continues… with Important Hints to Emigrants, and Useful Information respecting the Application for Grants of Land; together with a List of the Most Necessary Articles For Persons to Take Out etc. The whole “embellished by a Correct View of Hobart Town”.

Contents include – Advertisement by the Editor (dealing with the Lieutenant Jeffrey’s book that plagiarised Evans). A general description of the discovery and exploration of the island, early population; climate and seasonal issues and a description of its topography and agricultural possibilities; the towns and villages, roads, commerce and field sports and the bushrangers. The appendices detail land granted in the Colony.

A good copy of a scarce early Tasmanian item

SO SORRY ON HOLD – ENQUIRE IF YOU WISH

$740.00

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Pearls & Savages: Adventures in the Air, on Land and Sea in New Guinea – Frank Hurley -1924

Antarctic photographer Frank Hurley conceived this expedition as a motivator whilst holed up in an “ice prison” during the Antarctic winter. The result was this landmark book essential to any New Guinea collection.

The images are exceptional in quality and Hurley managed to bring to life the proud character in the portraits of native people young and old. The writing is full and descriptive, but it is for the Hurley images that this book will be forever remembered.

A First edition in fine condition published by Putnam, New York and London in 1924. Quarto, xiii, 414 pages with 81 plates from Hurley photographs a map and a frontispiece. A hint of age as good a copy as you will find anywhere.

Hurley amongst the Pearls & Savages

$320.00

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Sir John Franklin and Lady Franklin Commemorative Medal

A large bronze medal produced by Emil Hafner for the Tasmanian Numismatic Society in 1987 to celebrate the 150-year anniversary of the arrival of Sir John Franklin in Tasmania.

One of 150 examples (there were 40 in silver) finely engraved by Hafner Mint founded by Czechoslovakian born Emil Hafner.

65mm in diameter with on one side a strong image of Franklin in his regalia his ship HMS Erebus trapped in the ice. Engraved around the edge … Sir John Franklin 1786-1847 Arctic Explorer – Governor od Van Diemen’s Land 1837-1843. On the reverse, a well known yet striking image of the beautiful Jane Lady Franklin 1791-1875 Patron of the Arts in Van Diemen’s Land 1837-1845

Franklin Connecting Tasmania with Polar Exploration and the North West Passage.

$140.00

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Lord Rochester’s Monkey (Being the Life of John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester) – Graham Greene – First Edition 1974

Il a ete prime – Pochoir by Gose – Gazette du Bon Ton 1914

A Geographical, Historical and Topographical Description of Van Diemen’s Land – by George Evans – First Edition 1822

Pearls & Savages: Adventures in the Air, on Land and Sea in New Guinea – Frank Hurley -1924

Sir John Franklin and Lady Franklin Commemorative Medal

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