Directions for Sailing Into the Harbours of Salem, Marblehead, Beverly, and Manchester.

Newburyport, MA: Edmund M. Blunt, 1806. In 1806 the great navigator and mathematician Nathaniel Bowditch published a "Chart of the Harbours of Salem, Marblehead, Beverly and Manchester from a Survey taken in the Years 1804, 5 & 6." The chart has become something of a rarity, with good examples fetching prices in the low five figures. Rarer still is the book of sailing directions intended to accompany it. While I've had the chart, in first, second, and later states, I'd never seen the book of sailing directions until this copy turned up. For more about this rarity, see Guthorn, p. 34; Campbell p. 58; DAB I, 497; Sabin 6996 (with incorrect pagination, and a note suggesting the manuscript for this work might be held in Boston Public Library). Burstyn p.115. Shaw & Shoemaker 10022. The pamphlet is in fine, crisp condition, bound in 19th century cloth over marbled boards, with original blue wrappers bound in. The title page bears the ownership inscription of Wm.Gibbs, 1829, and he has written the title and other information on the front wrapper. Gibbs was a genealogist and historian. He died in 1853. His family papers are held at the Clements Library.Worldcat shows 11 institutions holding copies of this book, but it is rare in the trade, with no copies or reprints online, and few copies at auction. The most recent auction sale was of a presentation copy at Christies in 2007. It sold for $19,500. Reese Company is offering a rebound copy with p. 18 shaved close and final blank lacking for $13,500. This pamphlet is offered with a copy of "Chart of the Harbors of Salem, Marblehead, Beverly and Manchester From a Survey Taken in the Years 1804, 5 & 6 by Nathl. Bowditch""The chart was surveyed during the three years following Bowditchs last voyage, and when he had become president of the Essex Fire and Marine Insurance Company. He had made a survey of Salem with Captain Gibaut in 1794... Salem, and the other local ports, were utilized progressively less because of hazardous entry."Guthorn, U.S. Coastal Charts p. 34. The chart, presumably, was produced to assist mariners in trading at Salem. The copper plate of this historic chart survives (Peabody Essex Museum), and over the years, modern restrikes have been printed from it. This impression is one of those. It was printed from the plate of the second impression, made in 1834, as indicated on the chart itself, with "additions and alterations" Charles M. Endicott and Joseph Perkins, jr., branch pilot. Plate size measures 27 x 22 inches. Fine condition, printed on heavy stock. Pamphlet and chart . 21.5 cm. v, (6)-30 pp. (Inventory #: 48080)