Pattee Byng's Journal 1718- 1720; Publications of the Navy Records Society Vol. LXXXVIII
(Greenwich): The Navy Records Society, (1948). First Edition. Hardcover. Large 8vo. Pp. xxxii; 311, followed by a list of books in the series, and a roster of society members. Frontis. b&w port. Illustrated with b&w reproductions of paintings and maps. Includes brief biographies of British naval officers of the era. Index. Navy buckram with gilt lettering over white buckram with gilt medallion stamped on front cover. A bit of foxing to preliminaries and edges. Bookplate on front pastedown. A stout copy. Very Good. Item #614
Curious publication dates: the spine is stamped 1948, whereas the title page is printed 1950. We suspect the publication schedule was backlogged, causing the volume for 1948 to be published in 1950. If so, perhaps 1948 was used on the spine for "shelf appeal" and consistency in the succession of volumes, and the printer used the actual 1950 printing date on the title page. A volume in the vital series published by the Navy Records Society, providing insight to specific periods of maritime history, and proving great value to researchers and writers. Notably, Patrick O'Brian has proclaimed his debt to the series for imparting verisimilitude to his Jack Aubrey - Stephen Maturin novels. Byng's journal documents the Sicilian Campaign of 1718 - 20, which was commanded by the author's father, Admiral George Byng, later Viscount Torrington. Bookplate is that of a Royal Navy submariner who served in China (Tsingtao, notably) and WWI. A handsome, presentable copy. Bookseller inventory A06043X30L.
Price: $35.00