American Whalers in the Western Arctic: The Final Epoch of the Great American Sailing Whaling Fleet by Gilkerson, William. With John R. Bockstoce - 1983

Fairhaven, MA: Edward J. Lefkowicz, Inc., Printed By the Stinehour Press, Meriden Gravure, 1983. Exceptional copy of this large limited edition book, number 169 of 400 signed by the artist on a limitations page at the back, accompanied by a separate portfolio of twelve color lithographed plates, duplicates of those in the book, each pencil signed by the artist. The book captures the rich heritage of American whaling off Alaska through twelve color plates plus additional illustrations in black and white. Very large book, oblong elephant folio, 15.5 inches tall and 19 inches wide, bound in gray textured cloth with a lovely dark teal blue leather spine, silver gilt lettering on spine and front cover. The accompanying portfolio is the same size and bound in the same cloth without lettering. As issued, without box or slipcase (a clamshell box was issued only with numbers 1 through thirty of the edition, and were not for sale). Fine condition, looks new and unused, all plates present. Purchased from a family who purchased several copies of the book when new in 1983 and never unpacked them.. Signed by the Artist. First, Limited Edition. Hard Cover. Fine/No. Elephant Folio - over 15" - 23" tall.