Blount Clavell W S (1 results)

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. First Edition. Original detailed ship log book kept by Royal Navy sailor Clavell W.S. Blount in the mid-19th century. The log includes his service on HMS Odin, HMS Victory, and HMS Actaeon between October 7, 1855 to April 21, 1857. Blount participated in the Crimean War while serving on the HMS Odin, a 16-gun steam-powered first-class paddle frigate. After returning to England, Blount recounts training and drill while serving on the HMS Victory, the 104-gun first-rate ship of the line that was the flagship of Lord Nelson during the Napoleonic Wars. Next, Blount served on the HMS Actaeon, a 26-gun sixth rate frigate that was converted to a survey ship. On the Actaeon, Blount describes a voyage from England that sailed to Maderia, Rio de Janerio, and the Cape of Good Hope. Three-quarter leather with heavily rubbed marbled boards. Rebacked gilt-ribbed spine with black and gilt title label. Light wear to head of spine, and light bumping to corners. Binding firm. Marbled endpapers with early label (inside front board) of Hamblin "Wholesale & Retail Stationer & Account Book Maker" of London, suggesting original diary was rebound at a later date. Contents include cruise of HMS Odin from October 7, 1855 to August 7, 1856 (162 pp.), moored on HMS Victory from August 8, 1856 to September 11, 1856 (14 pp.), and cruise of HMS Actaeon from September 12, 1856 to April 21, 1857 (148 pp.). Frontispiece pencil sketch of Viking god Odin. Reverse of page has detailed pen/ink and watercolor profile of HMS Odin. Two pages have damage and some loss, and another page missing upper third of page. Five other pages have approximately 3-inch portions missing from upper right page margins not effecting text. Text in otherwise very good condition with neat, legible entries. Important, one of a kind first-hand view of life in the Royal Navy in the mid-19th century. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall, 324 pp.…