Flagships Three

London: Alston Rivers, Ltd. , 1913. First edition. Cloth. Good Only. 8.5" by 6". Various. A first edition copy of this fascinating history and development of the Royal Australian Navy, by Charles Edwin Woodrow Bean. Charles Edwin Woodrow Bean was a renowned Australian World War I war correspondent and historian, best remembered as the editor (and one of the authors) of the monumental twelve volume 'Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918', that was praised for its incredibly detailed account of the Australian armed forces, whilst maintaining accessibility for a non-military reader. Bean was also an instrumental force in establishing the Australian national War Memorial, and played a key role in the creation and popularisation of the ANZAC legend; a concept that suggests that New Zealand and Australian soldiers possess shared characteristics such as endurance, courage, good humour,and mateship, allegedly exemplified on the battlefields of the First World War. This copy is copiously illustrated throughout with in-text illustrations and plates, and with head and tail pieces designed by the author himself. In the publisher's original cloth binding with gilt detail to front board and spine. Externally, bumped to extremities and head and tail of spine. Rubbing to spine and joints. Cloth to head of front joint split. Cloth to rear joint largely failed with rear board partially detached and spine partially lifting. Slight marking to boards. Joints split, showing cords and tender, but still reasonably firm. Bookplate tipped to front pastedown. Small ink marks to front pastedown. Internally generally firmly bound, strained in places. Pages very bright and clean throughout, with the odd spot. Small loss to lower fore edge, page 327/8. Good Only