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TRUXTUN, THOMAS. Remarks, Instructions, and Examples Relating to the Latitude & Longitude; also, the Variation of the Compass, &c. &c. &c. To which is Annexed, a General Chart of the Globe, where the Route Made by the Author, in Different Ships under his Command, to the Cape of Good Hope, Batavia, Canton in China, the Different Parts of India, Europe, and the Cape de Verde Islands, are Marked, for the Purpose of Shewing the best Tract of Sea to meet the most Favourable Winds, and avoid those perplexing Calms which too often attend Asiatic Voyages. Together with a short, but general Account of Variable Winds, Trade-winds, Monsoons, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Tuffoons, Calms, Currents, and particular Weather met with in those Voyages, &c. &c. &c. Philadelhpia [sic]: Printed by T. Dobson, 1794. Folio. [2], 5-8, 74, 31, [1], xxiii p. Large folding map (imperfect), large folding plate. Contemporary sheep. A slightly imperfect copy of a very rare book, and worthy of restoration. In detail: the large folding chart of the globe lacks the left half; the right half is complete but split along the folds; the large folding plate depicting "A 44 gun frigate in the Navy of the U:S; of America masted according to the annexed system" is complete but split along the folds; the text is complete but dampstained; the text block is tight except for one pulled bifolium; the binding is solid and the hinges very strong but the spine label is partly missing. See photos. First edition of one of the great early American maritime books, and a very rare book in trade. The last copy to appear at auction was in 1919, and the only copy we are aware of in the trade was a copy with both plates in facsimile sold by maritime specialist Edward Lefkowicz in 1979. "Few American books of the eighteenth century excelled in interest and usefulness the work of Commodore Thomas Truxtun. The book is a contribution to the art of navigation, seamanship, shipbuilding, and naval customs reflecting credit upon the merchant and naval establishments of a young country struggling against odds for a place among the nations. It could not have failed to increase respect for that country among the mariners of the world."--Wroth, "Some American Contributions to the Art of Navigation," p. 38. The present copy needs restoration and half of the chart supplied in facsimile, but restoration would certainly be justified in this case, and we have priced the book accordingly. Evans 27823; Rink, Technical Americana, 3884; ESTC W29016.
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