Not to be missed:

These books are beautifully produced anthologies of works by various authors, specialists in their fields. Lavishly illustrated, mostly in colour where possible, and printed on very fine quality paper.

size 32 x 24 cm. with dust covers protected in transparent wrap.

vol. 1 deals with Pilot Schooners of North America and Great Britain, in particular Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay and River, Boston, San Francisco and New York to name a few in USA, followed by North West England, Liverpool and Swansea.

this volume 344 pp. over 250 illustrations, maps, paintings, photos, drawings of great clarity.

vol. 2 covers Schooners and Open Boats of the European Pilots and Watermen in waters such as the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Southern Britain, Scotland, Ireland, etc. Nine specialist authors have contributed.

348 pp. similarly well-illustrated with unique images.

Both books are in Fine condition, with only some rubbing evident on the transparent wrappings.

Binding and pages are in as new condition.

Due to their size and weight postage is considerable therefore free shipping is offered

A remarkable man: he ran away to sea aged 15, although not until he persuaded his reluctant parents that his future lay not in ship brokerage. He eventually rose to be Commodore of the Cunard Line, with a knighthood.

The first of his three brilliant books about his early career in fully rigged ships, to tramp steamers, from 1906 to 1928. Then the book describes his adventures and experiences as a young sailor in the Royal Navy, serving on various ships and stations around the world. The book also gives an insight into the life and customs of the seafaring community in the early 20th century.

They say truth is stranger than fiction: this story proves it, while giving the reader a real treat from its being so well-written.

288 pp. some photos, Good condition without dust cover.

The book is much sought after, some copies going for three figures

A very handsome pair of books, bound in green fleck patterned buckram, being the history of maritime activity in the Pacific Ocean from Polynesian and Micronesian through European exploration, colonisation, Gold Rushes, intensive trading,  to the late 1930s.  

There is adventure, heroism, romance and tragedy. Convict and kanaka transportation, shipwreck, piracy, murder, mutiny, cannibalism, whaling, pearling and trawling.

published 1936  FJ Thwaites, Sydney

A scholarly work, not for the casual reader. However it is not to say the work is dense and unreadable; it provides an absorbing chronicle to be enjoyed chapter by chapter.

There are multiple appendices, addendum and complete index.

vol I  410 pp.  

vol. 2 478 pp.   both printed on heavy art paper, hand cut

to be sold as one lot.  Fine condition some foxing of end papers and scuffing of spines, top.

Flinders' name is well recognised by most Australians, but the enormous extent of his many voyages is little known, as is his tragic period of imprisonment on Mauritius by the French.

This book is well-written fully illustrated and a scholarly history.

148 pp. hard cover over 100 illustrations, some colour, and many maps. Index, acknowledgements.

146 pp. Hard cover Very Good condition.

the scene is the Great Barrier reef and the many maritime activities there over centuries

some illustrations, paintings drawings and photos all B&W

see image for precis

An almost unbelievable tale of a man born in Pennsylvania, fought in the American Revolutionary War, accompanied Phillip aboard Sirius, Nelson in Napoleonic wars, and served with the Royal Navy in the Caribbean.

This his autobiography, taken from his diaries, edited in his style after minute checking of the historical accuracy of actions described.

400 pp. hard cover illustrations mostly drawings plus colour print section. Maps, index

Fine condition

300 pp. hard cover . Some illustrations, B&W many maps Very Good condition

extensive Index. Notes and references

see second image for precis

The epic South Seas Expedition 1838 - 1842

see second image for precis

442 pp. many contemporary maps, over 30 drawings and portraits, all B&W

Very Good condition

Enthralling: the account of epic voyage, shipwreck, desertions, scurvy and hunger, yet a beautifully written, utterly enjoyable read.

Real history, made fascinating and exciting.

302 pp. soft cover. many drawings, maps and illustrations, portraits,  all B&W.

Good condition

see second image for precis.

A serious well -researched, and entertainingly written study of the man who commanded the Beagle, and whom Darwin feared because he had come to the conclusion that not all life was due to Creation. Fitzroy was a devout Catholic and not likely to be receptive to this view.

Something of a thriller, this.

336 pp. soft cover approx 10 illustrations, early photographs, line drawings.

Very Good condition some creasing of cover corners

320 pp. on heavy art paper. Hard Cover buckram binding sound and firm.  Only fair condition. appears to have been stored upright on its side in humid conditions. Pages unaffected and not discoloured

A somewhat discursive but thoroughly researched reference work making pleasing and instructive reading, written in a conversational style. Never boring.

A triumph of historical narrative, brilliantly woven tale of the fearful privations endured by all involved. Villainy and heroism vie for the readers attention.

The depth of research and Fitzsimons' absorbing insights into the minds of those involved make it an awe-inspiring read. One comes away feeling everything that happened has been fully explained. The villains turn out to be not quite those expected.

Prologue Epilogue Bibliography Index and Dramatis Personae add to the impressive tale

613 pp. published 2018 two sections of illustrations in colour. Maps.

Very Good condition with some scuffing of spine. Dust cover Fine.

"A rough account-- Lt. Bligh's voyage in the Bounty's Launch from the ship to Tofua and from thence to Timor". 28 April to 14 June 1789.

This is a transcription of a 108 page diary written on odd pieces of paper, kept by Bounty' signalman. Bligh appropriated it after the Mutiny as his log of the launch voyage, after which it was bound in leather. The book was acquired by the National Library Canberra in 1976.

The present volume: 334 pp. hard cover many drawings, facsimiles of actual pages. 

A valuable historical item.

Very Good condition, some scuffing and curling of dust cover 

A full historical account of the famous Around the World voyage, undertaken under secret instructions by Queen Elizabeth, under cover of raids on Spanish shipping in the South Atlantic.

Research including Drake's little-known private documents makes this uniquely enjoyable read.

400 pp. hard cover, Some illustrations mainly portraits, drawings, some maps. all B&W

Fine condition.

"It can't be easy to turn a documentary about navigation and clock mechanics into  a gripping narrative but Sobel has done a great job. The ghosts of mariners come alive and she's passionate about Harrison and his clocks".

An important book telling the story of the man who created the chronometer so essential to accurate navigation.

Joseph Harrison faced prejudice and trickery but persevered for 40 years to perfect his  instrument.

A good read and a book to pass around to other maritime fans.

Soft cover 182 pp. GOOD condition. index (illustration shows one of two editions)

"It can't be easy to turn a documentary about navigation and clock mechanics into  a gripping narrative but Sobel has done a great job. The ghosts of mariners come alive and she's passionate about Harrison and his clocks".

An important book telling the story of the man who created the chronometer so essential to accurate navigation.

Joseph Harrison faced prejudice and trickery but persevered for 40 years to perfect his  instrument.

A good read and a book to pass around to other maritime fans.

Soft cover 182 pp. GOOD condition. index (illustration shows one of two editions)

206 pp. soft cover some drawings and maps. photo section approx 20 all B&W

the author relives and relearns the Polynesians' sailing prowess.

Fair condition. binding firm some scuffing some foxing of paper

320 pp. hard cover over 300 images, photos many in colour

Very wide-ranging from early Egyptian vessels, through to sail and steam and nuclear. Includes deep sea oil rigs as examples of ships.

Very informative: a book to dip into many times and a useful reference for aspects of maritime history.

Fine condition, ex-library but dust cover although clear plastic-wrapped has wrinkled front and rear. 

128 pp. hard cover.  First edition 1972

Book Very Good condition, dust cover Fair with tears.

Over 90 illustrations, photos B&W. Bibliography list of titles, index.

An expertly written  full biography of the sailor become famous author.

Each service during both World Wars produced fascinating volumes of contributions by service personnel. The Anzac Book of 1916 was a first.

The Australian Navy's first two such books were well-received: leading to this, Vol 3

First edition 1944 over 200 contributions including accounts of battles, verse, cartoons, memoirs by men and officers, photos, drawings,  and some fine paintings by war artists. Much history and much good humour.

Unique and valuable. 

200 pp. over 120 illustrations ; photos paintings drawings etchings and cartoons . some very funny

Very good firm condition. Dust cover in tatters. pages toned by sunlight.

A beautifully illustrated , comprehensive history of the world's greatest ports; their growth and importance in our economic and cultural life today.

Hard cover, dust cover in fine condition. 310 pp. over 300 photos, many in colour. many maps of each port, and of their home cities. Full text.

Very fine condition, preserved in clear plastic wrapper.

The story of Anson's famous voyages around the world in the 18th century, 1730 onward.

Anson became a Commodore in the Royal Navy and was sent on many long voyages of adventure and asserting of the might of the RN

A very readable concise yet amusing history derived from official records and contemporary reports, 

Easily readable large type, 218 pp. some illustrations. hard back, solidly bound, art paper.

Good condition, dust jacket poor.

Wide ranging taking a peek at some aspects of US ships from 17th century up to USS United States 

Entertaining and informative 

282 pp. Index photo sections ad drawings

78  pp. approx 50 photos B&W. Maps.

A virtual instruction manual in sailing the Endeavour replica, accompanied by extracts from Cook's journal

 Very Fine condition

A collection of anecdotes on all sorts of topics concerning ships and voyages around Australian shores.  see image for contents

The story of Collaroy which gave its name to the Sydney beach is here, and much more.

150 pp. soft cover . Good firm condition

over 40 illustrations, mostly photos

an enjoyable book to browse and read, story by story.

The Northern voyages.

A brilliantly readable account of all known voyages across the North Atlantic prior to 1660. Written with great good humour, debunking a few myths along the way.

A thorough history in a professional narrative style. many photos paintings and drawings, maps. full index.

710 pp. hard cover fair condition, dust jacket poor.

A big read for little outlay

A collection of all 4 volumes of this very readable series.         Each book approx 300 pages in length

Each includes approx 100 illustrations photos (vol IV) paintings and drawings all B&W,  with colour frontispiece   A marine historian's  delight.

Hard cover beautifully patterned and gold=embossed. All are in Fair to Good condition with some scuffing and occasional loosening of binding. No damage.            Weighty tomes each about 1.5 kg.

Offered as a full set at this special price

vol.. 1 to 1697

vol 2 1698 to 1783

vol. 3  1784 to 1814

vol. 4  1815 to 1875

The title says it all but rest assured this is a deeply researched story of the family and their magnificent lighthouses around the coast of Britain. Including the heroic Bell Rock, in the Firth of Forth.  How each was built amid sometimes horrendous sea conditions. 

Photo and drawing section, map. Index and Bibliography for further research

Two copies:

284 pp. soft cover . GOOD condition with some sunning of pages. very slight dent at lower RHS cover

282 pp hard cover Very good condition. dust cover unmarked.

make your choice here: >