"I THINK A 200-TON SCHOONER, A TEN-KNOT BREEZE AND A SUMMER SEA HARD TO BEAT": THE BADMINTON LIBRARY’S ILLUSTRATED TWO-VOLUME SURVEY OF YACHTING

(YACHTING) SULLIVAN, Sir Edward, et al. Yachting. London: Longmans, Green, 1895. Two volumes. Large octavo, original pictorial brown cloth. $450.

Second edition, published just one year after the first, of this generously illustrated guide to the pleasures of seamanship, with photographic plates, in-text wood engravings, maps, charts, and eight color plates of flags. A lovely copy in the original pictorial cloth.

Henry Somerset, eighth Duke of Beaufort, conceived of the "Badminton Library" (named after his principal country house, not the game) as a comprehensive series of instructional guidebooks, presenting history, rules and strategic hints for pastimes popular among Victorian England's aristocracy. Each chapter boasts expert commentary, accompanied by copious pictures and drawings. Published between 1885 and 1920, "the books provide a rich source of information on the growth and development of sport during the late 19th century in Britain, and are highly sought after by collectors" (Nauright & Parrish, Sports Around the World, 33). The yachting volumes includes chapters on ocean cruising, English and American yacht clubs, and famous races including the America's Cup. Bookplate, owner initials.

Only a few instances of foxing; pictorial cloth fresh and clean. A near-fine copy.