Lot 08116

STEEL David, “The elements and practice of rigging, seamanship, and naval tactics. Illustrated with numerous engravings. In four volumes: accompanied with a separate volume of large and accurate delineations of masts, yards”, London, printed, for David Steel, by H. L. Galabin, 1800.

[TOGETHER]

STEEL David, “Seamanship ; both in theory and practice”, second edition, London, printed and published for Steel’s navigation-warehouse, 1807

[BOUND TOGETHER WITH]

STEEL David “A System of Naval Tactics”, London, Printed for David Steel, 1797

The COMPLETE SET of Steel’s “The elements and practice of rigging, seamanship, and naval tactics” from two editions (1800 & 1807): Volumes 1, 2 & 3 from the 1800 edition plus the 4th volume from the 1807 edition.

Vol.I “The Art of Making masts, Yards, Gaffs, Booms, Blocks, and Oars”,

Vol.II “The Art of Sailmaking”,

Vol. III “The Art of Rigging”

Vol. IV “Seamanship ; both in theory and practice”

Richly illustrated with 4 frontispieces, 2 full-page, 14 folding plates and numerous woodcuts in text and tables. “This influential four-volume work, first published in 1794, was the first comprehensive English manual of best naval practice… The book describes theoretical and practical aspects of masts, rigging, and sails, and the science of sailing. The combination of practical advice supported by scientific and mathematical explanations and numerous illustrations provides valuable insights into British seamanship during the Napoleonic wars.” (from the 2011 Cambridge University Press reissue).

BOUND TOGETHER Steel’s work “A System of Naval Tactics”: 3 parts in 1 volume, engraved frontispiece of Britannia and numerous hand-coloured engraved diagrams throughout the text.

The three volumes rebound, half leather with the original thick paper boards. The forth volume in full calfwith date on spine “1821”. Worn the internal joint of the forth volume. Ex-libris label on forth volume pastedown. External rubbing, just occasional and only light spotting inside, overall.