Non-fiction

Antarctica – Reginald Ford

An unusual facsimile presentation of one of the rarest heroic era publications – the tiny book “Antarctica” which was originally published in New Zealand in 1906.

A boxed set of items by the Erskine Press issued in 2015 comprising solid black box with a front label copy of the front cover repeated .. inside two postcards – Discovery in Winter Quarters from a painting by A.E. (Uncle Bill) Wilson and A new and accurate map of the islands of the Antarctic etc by Talland Power for the Erskine Press; a stout copy of a broadsheet advertising a lecture “Farthest South” by Mr C Reginald Ford with various positive opinions and press remarks. Also, a 12 page, card covered potted biography of Charles Reginald Ford by Crispin de Boos. And, the said facsimile with linen textured card cover, 32 pages numerous images – a faithful facsimile including the odd light stain from the original.

Ford was a steward on the Discovery Expedition and was the first person to beak his leg on the Antarctic when he was skiing. He was so well regarded that on return he acted as Scott’s secretary during his extensive leaders lecture tour.

Try to find an original if you can – the next best thing is this unusual collection from the Polar mad Erskine Press .

$85.00

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Manuscripts in the Charter Chest at Cluny Castle: relating to the Clan Chattan and the Cluny of 1745.

Privately printed by R&R Clark, Edinburgh, 1879.Octavo, original wrappers, worn at spine and foxed on covers, but excuse it for its rarity. All edges gilt, 60 pages.

Previous owners signature in black ink on cover and inscription … the last of the direct line of 17th Highland Chief, Albert Cameron Macpherson (1854-1932).

A most interesting and unique historical document from the charter chest (a form of safe) of the Scottish seat of Cluny Castle. The clan Macpherson took their name in the 15th century and with a confederation of other clans formed the might Clan Chattan, During the Jacobite rebellion of 1745, Ewan Macpherson supported the failed attempt against the English. He fled to France with a number of others of wealth … they had a nice time, unlike those that remained.

Cluny secrets told nowhere else.

$90.00

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Printed Maps of St Kitts, St Lucia and St Vincent – R.V. Tooley

The Map Collectors’ Circle publication published Nos 81 by the great R.V. Tooley in 1972. Very good condition. Australian cartographic expert and publish author T.M. Perry’s copy with his stamp.

In the ubiquitous flesh coloured card covers, design to front. 19 pages of detailed catalogue plus 25 plates of maps.

All three of these islands were “discovered” by Colombus in 1493, 1502 and 1498 respective to the title.

St Kitts also went by the name St Christopher. Variously they were controlled by the British [ St Kitts Britain’s oldest colony 1623]. Control exchanged hands between the British, French and Spanish are various times settling as British Colonies in the early 19thC.

Because of all of this “carry-on” there are some striking early maps of the islands and the broader West Indies – the key examples are here.

More than hot pepper sauce the beautiful trilogy in the Caribbean.

$35.00

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Printed Maps of Southern Africa and its parts – Map Collectors Circle – R.V. Tooley -1970

The Map Collectors’ Circle publication published Nos 61 by R.V. Tooley in 1970. Very good condition.

In the ubiquitous flesh coloured card covers, design to front. 39 pages of detailed catalogue plus 24 plates of maps.

Plates include .. A Sketch of Natal by Stranger 1848; Barrow’s Cape of Good Hope 1880; Bleau Aethiopia Inferior 1690; Bonne Canal de Mozambique 1780; Cary Cape if Good Hope 1810; Commelin Cabode Bonna Esperance 1646 [a favourite]; Norie False Bay 1826 [super detail] etc etc

Perfect Tooley on South African Maps

$35.00

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Lord Howe Island – Its Discovery and Early Associations 1788 to 1888 – Harold Rabone

Published Sydney in 1972. This little card cover, 54 pages, illustrated, maps and nice images from photographs is a gem for any Norfolk Island devotee.

Every time I look at images of Lord Howe I just want to go and live there … probably don’t qualify. The early history is interesting and we find that Ball’s Pyramid, perhaps the most striking rock in the World … (up there with Old Man Of Hoy) was spotted by Captain Ball .. there you go.

At the risk of being too flippant we reference early maritime explorers, whalers, Pitcairn people bring disease, the Thetis Scientists and the visit of HMS Pearl etc

Lord Howe History a very honed effort by the knowledgeable Rabone

$25.00

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Tasmanian – Sea Wolves and Bandits – L. Norman – Scarce First edition 1946

Maybe out favourite Tasmanian book. Published by the author printed by Walch, Hobart in 1946.

Large octavo, 208 pages heavily illustrated with images from early photographs across a broad subject base … many maritime, early building of note and key identities and groups, folding frontispiece of the Knight designed floating bridge. A very nice copy.

Starts with a “Chronology Statement of Curious and Interesting Facts” which makes for good introductory reading. Includes chapters on .. Privateering; Military Camps; First Roads; Duelling in VDL; Railways; the Gay 90’s; Bicycling: Sealers and Wreckers; Smuggling and Piracy; Early Banditry; Brigands of the Twenties; First Hobart Town Whaler … and much more

Tasmanian Maritime History Treasure

$90.00

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Antarctica – Reginald Ford

Manuscripts in the Charter Chest at Cluny Castle: relating to the Clan Chattan and the Cluny of 1745.

Printed Maps of St Kitts, St Lucia and St Vincent – R.V. Tooley

Printed Maps of Southern Africa and its parts – Map Collectors Circle – R.V. Tooley -1970

Lord Howe Island – Its Discovery and Early Associations 1788 to 1888 – Harold Rabone

Tasmanian – Sea Wolves and Bandits – L. Norman – Scarce First edition 1946

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