Maritime

Mawson’s Papers – Innes and Duff – Robyn Mundy’s Copy.

Thick softcover published by The Mawson Institute for Antarctic Research The University of Adelaide in 1990.

Rather scarce and we are not sure why .. maybe they are all tied up with Institutions … maybe it was a pessimistic print run.

Carries the modern book label of adventurer and writer Roby Mundy and a thoughtful note by the gift giver “happy hunting”. The kind message clearly relates to the research Mundy would have been doing for her novel “Nature of Ice” – all about the Mawson Polar expedition, Frank Hurley’s photographs and much more. Mundy also wrote a super book “Cold Coast” which revolves around the first female trapper in Svalbad … another Voyager favourite island group.

Back to the Mawson Papers which are richly described in the unusually paginated work [probably circa 350 pages]. After a brief Forward by Jacka and a Biographical note by same we have various introductory papers re how to use the guide. Not a list of items – everything is described and put into context. Nicely illustrated from Hurley photographs, charts etc … it’s the complete business.

Mawson no more comprehensive source of his work

$80.00

Updating cart…

Tasmania – d’Entrecasteaux Waterways

A super guide to the waterways of the d’Entrecasteaux Channel and its tributaries.

Compiled by the Cruising Yacht Club of Tasmania – no date but considered 1990’s.

78 large pages with black and white illustrations, drawings by Neil Lamont, general overview location maps and 27 excellent maps/ charts. Inside back cover a coloured illustration of common channel fish. Spiral bound as issued. Good nick

What we like about this rather unique offering is the relaxed commentary that goes with each of the excellent maps/ charts. We say excellent because they have many of the features that male up the history of the region which link to the narrative. If you are a lover of the region this is better than any travel book.

The beautiful d’Entrecasteaux waterways nicely described – can you tell – we like it!

$35.00

Updating cart…

Ships in Tasmanian Waters – G W Cox

Published by Fullers when they were in the Cat & Fiddle, Hobart in 1971.

Largish octavo, 224 pages, illustrated throughout from period photographs. Dust jacket a little tired top edge, otherwise an very good copy.

Good start with the river steamers on the Derwent, then the Bruny Island Ferry … Derwent Ferries generally … the Silver Crown what magnificent way to travel. Steamer racing – what a sight that must have been – hoot hoot.

A special section on the “floating arch” bridge and its super graceful curve. Various appendices contain some technical data for those that want a better understanding of the power involved …

Maritime activity around the waters of Tasmania with a focus on the Derwent.

$30.00

Updating cart…

Tasmanian Classic – A Hundred Years of Yachting – Webster and Norman – First Edition 1936

A very good copy of this prized first edition. Published by the Hobart Marine Board and City Council in 1936.

Large format octavo (24.4cm x 16.5cm), 256 pages, illustrated throughout. Colour illustration and title to front board.

The hundred years references the first Hobart Regatta held in December 1838, so they jumped the starting gun a little. We will excuse them for that as it is a fabulous record of the love of yachting on the Derwent.

Perhaps Hobart’s most important yachting collectable in ship shape condition.

$250.00

Updating cart…

Voyage along the Eastern Coast of Africa to Mosambique, Johanna, and Quiloa; to St Helena; to Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, and Pernambuco in Brazil, in the Nisus Frigate – James Prior RN – 1819

A first edition of this full on voyage and travel account by the articulate James Prior. Published by Sir Richard Phillips & Co, London in 1819.

A lovely internal copy rebound in grey/green paper covered boards, as was typical of a primary binding of the true period, gilt on red leather title to spine. Octavo, 114 pages with special three fold map dated 1810 drawn by W M Cobb RN, also printed by Phillips. Another folding chart of the Harbour at Mozambique (note the different spelling) and a striking engraved view of the Town and Fort at Mozambique.

Well we have to be careful as this book is right in Voyager’s sweet spot. The narrative content is far fuller physically than the 114 pages suggest. First simply due to the format and the lines and words set per page, but also because Prior’s writing style is honed and full of interesting detail – no padding.

The long title gives you an idea of the coverage. Voyager’s favourite island, St Helena, is tackled well and one gets a great idea of the first impression on approach and the manner and detail of James Town and the various Plantation houses up “Ladder Hill” … “Ruperts Hill” etc.

Not in the title we also learn about the Comoro Islands … out from Mozambique and north west of Madagascar … this group of four ex volcanic islands probably the most beautiful place in the World. The Comoro islands was the primary reason behind the voyage as the King of Comoro had sought help against “predatory expeditions” of several thousand warriors from Madagascar. War was not the solution conferences were held – we can learn from that.

Good content on Rio and Brazil so don’t be confused by the lead in to the title …

Taking you back to the beginning and Prior has arrived at Cape Town where of all things he is off to the races … “the course is on Green Point, on the verge of the Bay: it was attended my multitudes, some in handsome vehicles … filled with females of every age, class and complexion. A dinner to the members concluded the meeting, followed of course by a ball … and the amusements of the week finished, on Saturday, with a private race, a cock-fight, the execution of several malefactors near the ground, and a dual between two gentlemen holding official situations, nearly fatal; so that we could not complain of want of variety”

We had to show you this even though it is not typical of the narrative – different times!

Interesting early 19thC Voyage from east Africa to Brazil

$390.00

Updating cart…

Matthew Flinders Private journal 1803-1814 – the Mitchell Library Manuscript

This is the deluxe edition by Genesis Publications in association with Hedley Australia printed in 1986. Originally published with another work here presented alone. Quarter leather bound with gilt Flinders to front, impressed title to spine which has faux raised bands, all page edges richly gilt … a quality expected from Genesis.

Fine condition. A heavy book unsuitable for Overseas purchase.

Folio, 365 pages of facsimile and useful index at the end … Geoffrey Ingleton’s useful introductory note helps one in to the manuscript. This is Flinders in Mauritius incarcerated by the French on his way black to England to complete his charts and publication which was to change the name of the lucky continent to Australia. Flinders hand surprisingly readable which is what makes for a good facsimile manuscript … still needs a little patience and the index helps you around

We say incarcerated, and he did have his freedom removed, but he had an easy time of it .. albeit rather lengthy and annoying.

Flinders in Mauritius beautifully presented.

$190.00

Updating cart…

Mawson’s Papers – Innes and Duff – Robyn Mundy’s Copy.

Tasmania – d’Entrecasteaux Waterways

Ships in Tasmanian Waters – G W Cox

Tasmanian Classic – A Hundred Years of Yachting – Webster and Norman – First Edition 1936

Voyage along the Eastern Coast of Africa to Mosambique, Johanna, and Quiloa; to St Helena; to Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, and Pernambuco in Brazil, in the Nisus Frigate – James Prior RN – 1819

Matthew Flinders Private journal 1803-1814 – the Mitchell Library Manuscript

Product Categories