Non-fiction

When the Crew Matter Most [Trans-Atlantic Race - West to East] – Erroll Bruce -1963

First edition of this yachting classic published by Stanley Paul, Lonon in 1961. Octavo, 184 pages, illustrated from original photographs, charts etc. A very good copy, albeit the dust jacket has edge chips and a decent on lower front left. Internally very clean.

Erroll Bruce one of the most successful transatlantic sailing competitor. This book focuses on the 1960 race the wrong way from Bermuda across and north around the Orkneys finishing after 3,500 miles in Denmark.

The first part of the book deals in some detail with the preparations for the race, and then we are off just in time for high seas. Bruce and his crew in the 36 foot Belmore won the small class crossing in 24 days.

Erroll Bruce backs his crew in a gripping reverse Atlantic race.

$25.00

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Manuscript Letter – Italian Astronomer Giuseppe Armellini – Portorecanati – 19th August 1922

Returning proofs and with suggestions of a mathematical nature based on “derivate ordinaries” … ordinary derivatives. Our calculus a little rusty as also our Italian … appears to be connected to Maxwell’s Laws.

Giuseppe Armellini (1887-1958) was born and died in Rome. He was Professor of Physics and Astronomy at several Italian Universities and Director of the Rome Astronomical Observatory for over 30 years. It was in the year of this letter [1922] that he took up his position at the Observatory of the Campidoglio which in 1936 he transferred to Monte Mario. A fire destroyed the Observatory in 1957 … inconsolable Armellini died the following year.

Armellini published several works … the first, in 1911, based on Newtonian principles. Over his career he developed several theories and principles. He will be forever known for Armellini’s Law {in 1922 also] which determines mathematically the distances of the planets from the sun in our solar system. The key to this understanding is the Armellini constant “D” … which is 1.53 but you must start at minus 2 for Mercury. Curiosities exist in its application … from them Armellini is awarded the honour of having predicted the large asteroid/ minor planet Chiron which was not confirmed until well after his death.

Armellini explained the Solar System – Manuscript letter with Scientific content

$140.00

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Encyclopedia of Exploration to 1800 – A Comprehensive Reference Guide to the History and Literature of Exploration, Travel and Colonisation from the Earliest Times to the Year 1800.

An as new copy of this great work by the unique Raymond Howgego, published by the equally unique Hordern House in 2003. Part of a greater series of works.

A comprehensive [understatement] reference guide. Large quarto, xv, 1,168 pages, containing 2,327 articles, referencing 7,500 persons or ships, in over 1.2 million words all cross referenced to primary and secondary sources … bibliography of 20,000 works etc. Dust jacket as published, multiple silk marking ribbons …all in super condition.

Raymond Howgego was teacher of physics before he gave that up to become a full-time traveler and travel writer. Possibly put down more words than any other living person. Seemingly can handle almost all European languages and Arabic and probably a few others. He still has an interest in amateur radio and fixing electronic items … we withhold his call sign, but you can find it if you try.

As new Howgego on Exploration the Foundation Volume

$230.00

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Into the Blue – Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before – Tony Horwitz.

Published by Allen & Unwin in 2003 a substantial softcover, 480 pages, illustrated appropriately, very good like new condition.

Horwitz follows James Cook as if on all three of his famous voyages of exploration. From the very first page this book has you hooked in what Bill Bryson describes as an “enthralling excursion around the Pacific”. Even for those that have read the first hand accounts and the monumental works of Beaglehole we suggest this will provide a new perspective

Captain Cook by Horwitz – a new take with superb perspective.

$25.00

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Where the Ocean Meets the Sky [Single handed Transatlantic Crossing] – Crispin Latymer.

Published by Adlard Coles in 2009 a 216 page softcover nicely illustrated from original photographs.

At 50 many of us wish to do something adventurous … Crispin Latymer was a seasoned coastal yachtsmen. To cross the Atlantic alone was the challenge he put upon himself … and what an adventure. Pirates off the coast of Africa before he turned westward for his Ocean run … only to meet Storm Delta …. And entertaining adventurous story.

Hit the 50? … try your hand at something challenging!

$20.00

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500 Days – Around the World On a Twelve Foot Yacht – Serge Testa – Signed First Privately Published

A pretty rare softcover privately published by the adventurer in Aspley a suburb of Brisbane in 1988.

216 pages, illustrated from original photographs and sketches (including maps) by the author. A little turned at the corners and the very odd mark, otherwise very good condition.

Whilst some records show the smallest boat to circumnavigate was Kuczynski in May 2018 in a 21 foot vessel … we cannot understand that claim as the Serge Testa’s “Acrohc” was 40% smaller at 12 feet.

Surely cannot really be beaten – 12 foot around the World.

$25.00

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When the Crew Matter Most [Trans-Atlantic Race - West to East] – Erroll Bruce -1963

Manuscript Letter – Italian Astronomer Giuseppe Armellini – Portorecanati – 19th August 1922

Encyclopedia of Exploration to 1800 – A Comprehensive Reference Guide to the History and Literature of Exploration, Travel and Colonisation from the Earliest Times to the Year 1800.

Into the Blue – Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before – Tony Horwitz.

Where the Ocean Meets the Sky [Single handed Transatlantic Crossing] – Crispin Latymer.

500 Days – Around the World On a Twelve Foot Yacht – Serge Testa – Signed First Privately Published

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