MARITIME HISTORY.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Étrennes de la marine, First edition of this pocket-size gift book from the revolutionary period, in a charming contemporary binding. Thematically focused on maritime affairs, the book has chapters on the sea, winds, navigation instruments, ships, artillery, the navy and its organisation, and a dictionary of nautical terms. The frontispiece features a diagram of a ship, with its various parts labelled and identified.The volume additionally includes a description of American, English, French, and Spanish colonies in Northern and Central America, a list of famous battles won by the French against the English, and a calendar for the year 1780.The practice of giving books as New Year's gifts (étrennes) began to develop in France in the 18th century, particularly in the form of pocket-sized almanacs sold for 1 January. Over time, the livres d'étrennes evolved into a distinct genre, with the practical function of the almanac gradually giving way to lighter content and decorative illustrations.Provenance: Scott Library, Collection of the Institution of Naval Architects, book label; sale, Christie's, 4–5 December 1974, lot 162, purchased by Stephen C. Massey.

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