A subscriber's copy, with 44 hand-colored plates and charts
The little sea torch: or, true guide for coasting pilots
London: for the author by J. Debrett, 1801. First edition, folio, pp. [2], [i]-ii, [v]-vi, 144, [6]; likely original marbled boards, rebacked in gilt-paneled brown calf, original red morocco label preserved; minor spotting; a very good, sound, and attractive copy. The subscribers' list contains 171 names taking 191 copies, so the edition was likely a small one. This copy with the engraved bookplate of Joseph Neeld, one of the subscribers. A lovely work on "how to navigate along the coasts of England, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Sicily; the isles of Malta, Corsica, Saedinia, and others in the straits; and of the coast of Barbary ... enriched with upwards of one hundred appearances of head-lands and light-houses, together with plans of principal harbours..." With 130 pages of sailing directions for and descriptions of the above-named places, followed by 20 full-page hand-colored aquatints, showing views of about 125 ports, harbor entrances, and harbors. These are followed by 12 engravings with 24 hand-colored charts of harbors and seaports. The text is a translation, with revisions and additions for the British market, from the French of Bougard's Petit Flambeau de la Mer. Phillips 2852; National Maritime Museum III, 218; Abbey, England, 344. Item #52316
Price: $12,500.00
