Item #52055 The Principles of Great Circle and Composite Sailing; a paper read before the Literary and Philosophical Society, December 1853. With observations made from more recent voyages. [and] Tables to Facilitate the Practice of Great Circle Sailing, and Determination of Azimuths. John Thomas TOWSON.

The Principles of Great Circle and Composite Sailing; a paper read before the Literary and Philosophical Society, December 1853. With observations made from more recent voyages. [and] Tables to Facilitate the Practice of Great Circle Sailing, and Determination of Azimuths.

Liverpool [and] London: Printed for Private Circulation [and] Printed for the Hydrographic Office, Admiralty, 1855 [and] 1854. [Navigation] PRIVATELY PRINTED, with a fifth edition copy of 'Tables'. A Presentation copy to AUSTEN HENRY LAYARD. Two pamphlets bound as one. Octavo (23 x 16cm), pp.[6] 30; iii-viii; 67 [5]. With a folding map and a large folding Linear Index. In contemporary brown full morocco, recently re-backed, with original spine leather laid on - raised bands and gilt titles and tooling to spine. Decoration in gilt and blind to upper board, as well as 'Austen Henry Layard, M.P. D. C.L. | with the | Author's Compliments.' Stamped in gilt. All edges gilt; supplied black endpapers. Very occasional thumb marks and spotting to the slightly toned textblock. Corners lightly bumped; light wear to outer edges. Restored to a smart readable condition. Very good. A rare privately printed article on the art of long range navigation, alongside the more widely know tables, which provide practical guidance to sailors attempting the Great Circle route. This copy seemingly presented to the traveller, archaeologist and politician Austen Henry Layard (1817-1894). Towson began as a chronometer and watch maker, but was also known as a photographer in the 1830's, and later turned his attention to navigation. Item #52055

Price: £495.00

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