Non-fiction

The Voyage of The Vega Round Asia and Europe – 1883 A.E. Nordenskiold – translated by Alexander Leslie

Published by MacMillan and Co, London in 1883. A first of type. Octavo, 413 pages plus Abstract and Index. Heavily illustrated with 186 wood-cuts, two portraits and two colour lithographed maps.

The very readable account of Adolf Erik Nordenskiold. The introductory note provides a more than adequate summary … “ The present edition of Baron Nordenskiold’s narrative includes the whole of the Voyage of the Vega along the North-East Passage, and the year’s life among the Chukches, with the details collected as to the manners and customs of that interesting people; Nordenskiold’s sketch of hos own journey up the Tenisei, and the voyage of the Lena up the river of that name; the chapters on the hydrography and resources of Siberia; the interesting account of animal life in and around Novaya Zemlya; and a brief sketch of the visit to Japan and the voyage home.

Certainly, we feel Nordenskiold’s achievement of the North-east Passage is hidden in history likely because of the drama associated with the North-East Passage … Franklin etc. It deserves to be elevated as also his narrative which is detailed and far reaching. See our medal commemorating his achievement.

Adolf Nordenskiold – first through the North-West Passage

$180.00

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Original Share Script – The Consolidated Gold Mines of Western Australia – 1898

A great example of a late Victorian Gold Mine certificate produced and printed by Bishop & Co Engravers and Printers, London.

The Consolidated Gold Mines of Western Australia was incorporated in 1898 with a share raising of 81,000 British Pounds, being 324,000 shares of 5 shillings each. This is certificate number 165 for 40 shares issued to Mrs Rachel Mary Cleaver of “Beauregard” St Leonards [Sydney}. Signed by the Directors and Company Secretary, Lawrence Spicer. Impressed company seal. Nice example - would frame well.

In 1898 the Company was operating a gold mine at the Marble Bar, a town and rock formation in the Pilbarra, North Western Australia. Records show the mine had limited success. From a map drawn by engineer A F Calvert (see below) it is clear the Company had ambitions in a number of Western Australian gold fields.

Of particular interest is that the Managing Director of the mine was author, explorer, entrepreneur Albert Frederick Calvert (1872-1946). Calvert was a prolific writer and his Explorations of Australia 1844-1896 in two volumes still holds up very well … as does his The Discovery of Australia still a standard and collectable reference. His books on Western Australia are well honed based on personal experiences and adventures. Whilst he was not part of it [he was back in London]… he sponsored what is know as the “Calvert Expedition” into the heart of the Great Desert in which two adventurers sadly died.

Interesting early Gold Mine script with a rather unique background story.

$260.00

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Passage from Paradise – Helen Smallwood [Self Published Adventure}

Self published by the adventurer author and her husband from there home in Wales in 1988.

Larger form softcover (only form) in very good condition. 155 pages, nicely illustrated throughout with charts, images from the voyage, some in colour.

The vessel in question was formerly a Norwegian Rescue Ship that mainly worked the North Sea in the 1930’s. Forty years later she was found in a miserable condition in the Seychelles by Helen Smallwood and her husband. They, along with another family, spent the next two years plus restoring the vessel. Then a magnificent voyage was undertaken through the islands of the Western Indian Ocean down west of Madagascar, round the Cape and on to St Helena … to the West Indies and eventually Florida before an Atlantic crossing to finish at Plymouth.

The vessel then became a training ship for young sailors in Scotland … similar to the role of the Windward Bound in Hobart. If you are feeling generous donate to the Windward Bound … they do some wonderful work with young people .. some doing it a bit tough.

A special book about a special boat rebuilding project the sailing adventure that followed ... a Voyager favourite

$25.00

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Engraved at Lahainaluna: A History of Printmaking by Hawaiians at the Lahainaluna Seminary, 1834-1844 – David W Forbes

A significant book by the author of the recognised bibliography of all literature Hawaiian. Published by the Hawaiian Mission Children’s Society, Honolulu in 2014. Quarto, xxi, 210 pages .. with large folding map in rear pocket. An as new copy .. super condition ... clean as a whistle.

A heavy book ... may require a modest Overseas supplement to our standard postage allowance.

A wonderful collection of over 120 images of copperplate engravings from the seminary on the island of Maui.. Views of Hawaiian Islands, towns and rural settlements, portraits, natural history, original maps and charts. The most important collection of 19thC Hawaii images before the age of photography. Includes biographical information on many of the engravers

Special Hawaiian Item and a lovely production

$40.00

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Captain William Bligh and the Mutiny on the Bounty

The very special Hordern House publication to support the sale of the Parks collection. 133 catalogued items all with a special illustration. Many rare and some unique items.

Hard bound with dust jacket in very good condition and of a standard as would be expected from Hordern House. A must for any Bountaneer!

Special Mutiny on the Bounty item

$60.00

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Narrative of the Wreck of HMS Porpoise – Robert Purdie [A Flinders Item]

Octavo, xiv, 134 pages, published by Hordern House in 2014. A very good copy.

Robert Purdie was a young surgeon who was wrecked on HMS Porpoise on a reef off the Queensland coast (to become known as “Wreck Reef’’). This was the vessel originally taking Matthew Flinders back the England having completed his coastal survey of Australia, confirming the entirety of the land mass. Purdie’s account had been published anonymously in The Naval Chronicle in 1807/07. He had been a junior officer on the Investigator and was among those that stayed on the reef whilst Flinders and other rowed back to Sydney to successfully mount a rescue.

The narrative is lively, informative and readable … here well presented with an excellent introduction and notes by Matthew Fishburn

Flinders and Wreck Reef by Surgeon’s Mate Purdie.

$40.00

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The Voyage of The Vega Round Asia and Europe – 1883 A.E. Nordenskiold – translated by Alexander Leslie

Original Share Script – The Consolidated Gold Mines of Western Australia – 1898

Passage from Paradise – Helen Smallwood [Self Published Adventure}

Engraved at Lahainaluna: A History of Printmaking by Hawaiians at the Lahainaluna Seminary, 1834-1844 – David W Forbes

Captain William Bligh and the Mutiny on the Bounty

Narrative of the Wreck of HMS Porpoise – Robert Purdie [A Flinders Item]

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