A Complete History of the most Remarkable Transactions at Sea, from the Earliest Accounts of Time to the Conclusion of the Last War with France. Wherein Is given an Account of the most considerable Naval-Expeditions, Sea-Fights, Stratagems, Discoveries, and Other Maritime Occurrences that have happen d among all Nations which have flourished at Sea: And in a more particular manner of Great Britain, from the time of the Revolution, in the Year 1688, to the aforesaid Period. Adorn d with Sea-Charts adapted to the History. With an exact Index of the Names of all the Places where any considerable Battel has been fought, in any Part of the World. -
Josiah Burchett, Esq; Secretary of the Admiralty
1720 - Printed by W.B. for J. Walthoe, London - First Edition
'This volume is particularly important in the literature of naval history, not only as a narrative of naval operations in the Nine Years' War and the War of the Spanish Succession, but as the first general naval history written in the English language.' [ODNB]
A stunning large folio, in contemporary binding, illustrated with nine folding naval charts by Hermann Moll, engraved allegorical frontispiece, engraved portrait, the royal privilege leaf (sometimes missing), engraved head and tail-pieces and initial letters, and title page printed in red and black. Burchett [Circa 1666-1746] was Pepys’s servant and clerk for more than seven years when the diarist was secretary of the admiralty; the underling rose to his employer’s post in 1698. For the next 44 years, every important naval document passed through his hands, and his intimate knowledge of current naval affairs put him in a position where he could speak with authority at least on matters with which he was involved. Today, the maps in this book, at least as much as the commentary (particularly the earlier history, where Burchett is just guessing), make this item of value.
Provenance: With the armorial bookplate of Baron Cranworth of Letton and Cranworth in the County of Norfolk [Gurdon Family] - ‘In Arduis Viget Virtus’ [Virtue flourishes in adversity] - Arms: Sable three Leopards' Faces jessant-de-lis Or. Crest: A Goat climbing up a Rock all proper. Supporters: On either side a Rock thereon a Goat proper collared gemelle Or.
Reference: Sabin 9205. Hill, Pacific Voyages, 217.
Folio (binding size 21x31.5cm), pp. [2] [54] 800 [31 Index] [2 Errata] [3]. Bound in contemporary panelled Cambridge calf, covers panelled in black, with black floral corner pieces. Rebacked to style in later brown calf, preserving the original burgundy gilt morocco lettering label. Condition: Internally near fine, as is usual with this work two maps slightly, and five maps more noticeably browned (different paper stock), panels slightly rubbed and marked, one or two small tears to edges of maps, inner hinges cracked but strong. Ref: 111885 Price: HK$ 22,000
A stunning large folio, in contemporary binding, illustrated with nine folding naval charts by Hermann Moll, engraved allegorical frontispiece, engraved portrait, the royal privilege leaf (sometimes missing), engraved head and tail-pieces and initial letters, and title page printed in red and black. Burchett [Circa 1666-1746] was Pepys’s servant and clerk for more than seven years when the diarist was secretary of the admiralty; the underling rose to his employer’s post in 1698. For the next 44 years, every important naval document passed through his hands, and his intimate knowledge of current naval affairs put him in a position where he could speak with authority at least on matters with which he was involved. Today, the maps in this book, at least as much as the commentary (particularly the earlier history, where Burchett is just guessing), make this item of value.
Provenance: With the armorial bookplate of Baron Cranworth of Letton and Cranworth in the County of Norfolk [Gurdon Family] - ‘In Arduis Viget Virtus’ [Virtue flourishes in adversity] - Arms: Sable three Leopards' Faces jessant-de-lis Or. Crest: A Goat climbing up a Rock all proper. Supporters: On either side a Rock thereon a Goat proper collared gemelle Or.
Reference: Sabin 9205. Hill, Pacific Voyages, 217.
Folio (binding size 21x31.5cm), pp. [2] [54] 800 [31 Index] [2 Errata] [3]. Bound in contemporary panelled Cambridge calf, covers panelled in black, with black floral corner pieces. Rebacked to style in later brown calf, preserving the original burgundy gilt morocco lettering label. Condition: Internally near fine, as is usual with this work two maps slightly, and five maps more noticeably browned (different paper stock), panels slightly rubbed and marked, one or two small tears to edges of maps, inner hinges cracked but strong. Ref: 111885 Price: HK$ 22,000