1784 English Pilot Atlas - Volume IV with Mariner Annotations
DESCRIPTION
The English Pilot was the first major sea-atlas produced in England. In its final form it consisted of five separate books. The 4th volume was an essential source for navigating the eastern coast of North America during the 18th century. The atlas is of great significance for bringing together, for the first time in an English sea atlas, charts of the entire East Coast of North America. For decades, it was the most reliable source of information needed to navigate trade routes along the American seaboard and Caribbean, making it an essential tool for traders doing business with the English North American colonies.
The atlas consists of 22 engraved charts, 4 additional engraved maps in the text, and numerous woodcut coastal profiles throughout. These were produced from 1689 to 1794 resulting in 27 different editions. The first edition contained 18 maps while the last (both at hand) contained 26 maps. While these atlases are not very rare, they are often found in miserable condition due to the many hours/days/years they spent at sea.
1784 Example of the 4th Volume of the English Pilot with authentic manuscript annotations by 4 ship captains
This is a very unique example with numerous handwritten entries by four different American sea captains that used it on several Caribbean trading voyages. There is certainly a premium due to the unique record of the annotations by four different sea captains. The atlas preserves much of their story and is a primary source of experiences at sea and linguistics of the men that sailed it. It also proves that this book was indeed onboard a vessel and not just held within a personal study on land.
The American sea captains who used this atlas include
- Joseph Lindsay (1769-1799)
- Samuel Lindsay, a relative of Joseph, possibly his brother, both of York, Maine.
- David Baker, who owned the atlas after the Lindsays.
- William Sawyard or Sayward (1765-1849), a Gloucester pilot and sea captain.
Here is a sample of some of their annotations. Note the phonetical spelling that is emblematic of 18th century ship captains.
- Stearing North for the Vinyard if I Bee to the Westward ... this is the worst Tim that Ever I Seaid in my Life for I Expect to starve to Death If thear haint som Relief sewn
- A Comming from Poartauprince in September 15, 1789 Bound to Boston in the Sloop Polley, in the Lattd. of 40 40
- Sept 8th, 1790. Wrote onboard the Scooner Diligent coming from Snt. Martains (St. Martin's) Bound to old York this Night at Six A Clock ... Left Cape Codd Bairing WNW ... Now the wind is SW A Pleasant gale & Running NW All Hands in good health.
Condition: Contemporary dark calf, neatly rebacked in matching style, with additional expert restorations to the binding edges and lower 20% of back cover. Some occasional spotting and soiling to charts, 3 folding charts with tiny holes at folds, but without loss.
CONDITION
Contemporary dark calf, neatly rebacked in matching style, with additional expert restorations to the binding edges and lower 20% of back cover. Some occasional spotting and soiling to charts, 3 folding charts with tiny holes at folds, but without loss.
1200 W. 35th Street #425 Chicago, IL 60609 | P: (312) 496 - 3622