JOHN SELLER: 'PRACTICAL NAVIGATION', CIRCA 1683

seven engraved illustrations in the text, five folding woodcut diagrams, four woodcut illustrations and numerous diagrams, lacks numerous leaves of text, contemporary blind-stamped calf, head of spine a little worn, 4to, [London, c1683]

Sold not subject to return

The tables of latitude and longitude (and vice versa) contain numerous place names in North and South America and the South Seas.

One of the first guides to use modern scientific and mathematical methods for sea navigation, with engravings illustrating the use of compass and sextant, and contemporary log tables bound in (as issued.) 5th edition, all editions being rare and usually distressed, no doubt because they were used at sea.

John Seller (1632-1697) was a London compass maker who went on to compile and publish maps, charts and navigation guides, appointed Hydrographer to the King in 1671.

Condition Report

Lacks title, several leaves before ggl and TE4, Q4, al and all after 352, numerous clumsy repairs at beginning and end, a little browned and stained. With 18th century hand-drawn replacement title page, one of the folding plates and parts of a few early pages, and later repairs. Some pages misnumbered, at least 1 section misbound(?), as commonly found with books of this age.

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