THE CRUISE OF THE KATE by E. Edward Middleton - 1953: MARINER'S LIBRARY #23

Between 1947 and 1968, the English publisher Rupert Hart-Davis published The Mariner's Library. The library is 47 'salt-water' books, all related to sailing, adventure and exploration. Most are true stories.

I have 34 left, which I have posted individually. You can find them all under 'Maritime, Ships, Boats.'

If you'd like more than one at a reduced price, please message me.

The original owner collected the set and had the dust jackets professionally wrapped/laminated.

All of the books are the same: 5" x 7 1/2". Light blue boards. Unless otherwise noted, none of them have any shelfwear or dogears, and most have the darkening of the paper that you would expect. Unless otherwise noted, all have maps and/or photos and/or drawings. Unless otherwise noted, they appear to have been read once and are in pristine condition.

This one is Number 23: THE CRUISE OF THE KATE, by the Royal Navy officer E. Edward Middleton (1838-1916). It was originally published in 1870.

In 1869, Middleton built himself a 23-foot sailboat and set about becoming the first man to single-handedly circumnavigate England. He chose the most difficult route he could think of, one of poorly charted sea lanes and powerful tides, and recorded his remarkable feat in this book, which served as his log and diary. The Cruise of the Kate is an incredible tale from the days when all a navigator had to steer by was the compass and the stars, along with the occasional landmark and passing vessels. Middleton's lively, detailed account of his daring but successful voyage brings to life the condition of solo ocean sailing more than a century ago.

This copy is the first Mariner's Library edition, dated 1953. 165 pages.

It is the only book in the Mariner's Library with yellow covers.

Jacket is price-clipped.

The original owner put a decorative stamp on the front endpaper.

Otherwise perfect condition.