The Elements and Practice of Rigging and Seamanship. Illustrated with Engravings. in Two Volumes

London: Printed for David Steel. Good with no dust jacket. 1794. First Edition. Hardcover. Xv, [ii], 242; [ii], 243-425, [v], 147 pp (numerous errors of pagination but all is present). 95 plates, including folding and 2 folding plates with volvelles (all of the parts of the volvelles are present but they are disconnected) . In two quarto volumes measuring 11.25 x 9" bound in 3/4 brown leather with red, orange and blue marbled hard boards with matching endpapers. 5 raised bands to the spine with gilt lettering and decoration. Some rubbing and general wear to the covers, joints a bit tender but still holding. Interior gutters of endpapers show some tearing of the marbled paper. Some text leaves in Vol. I were separated clumsily with consequent rough fore-edges and some chipping thereto. Occasional light humidity staining and foxing here and there, paper is toned, but generally clean and strong. Some of the folding plates/tables are starting to separate at the folds. Offsetting and foxing to the plates and tables. Occasional ownership stamp of W. F. Megee (one covered over) -- May refer to William Fairchild Megee (1765-1820) of Providence, R. I. Who "served as supercargo on board John Brown's ship George Washington on the first trading voyage from Rhode Island to China and the East Indies in 1787. He sailed again to China in 1789, and later owned or co-owned several ships active in the trade. He also engaged in the slave trade in South America from his sloop Resource as late as 1806, and may have been a partner with merchant Edward Carrington on some ventures. Megee died in Canton in 1820, where he was operating as a factor. " Could also be his son, William F. Megee, Jr. (1795-1826) who was also a sea captain. A handsome set in good condition, heavy for international shipping. "The Elements & Practice of Rigging & Seamanship provides extensive instructions on how to prepare a ship for sail and the basics of seamanship and naval tactics. It is heavily illustrated with engraved plates and moveable diagrams and covers everything from mast- and sail-making to rigging and rope-making. There are also illustrated comparisons between various British ships to other European ships as well as to Chinese and Polynesian sailing vessels." (Royal Collection Trust). "...the first comprehensive English manual of best naval practice. Designed for aspiring young officers, it established Steel's reputation as a publisher. The book describes theoretical and practical aspects of masts, rigging, and sails, and the science of sailing. The combination of practical advice supported by scientific and mathematical explanations and numerous illustrations provides valuable insights into British seamanship during the Napoleonic wars." (from the new Cambridge edition) ESTC N9120. ; 4to 11" - 13" tall; 425 pages .