First edition in a handsome presentation binding.

First edition in a handsome presentation binding.

Francis Liardet (1798-1863), cousin to William Liardet, artist and one of Port Melbourne's founding figures, was a professional naval officer who served against America in the War of 1812. He had an active and heroic career during which he was nearly blinded, forcing his early retirement. He was then appointed New Zealand Land Company agent, arriving in 1841 on the Whitby (a survey ship) where he landed at Wellington, before heading on to New Pymouth. He was only there for 2 months before a serious injury saw him return to England, meeting his future wife, the widow Mrs Caroline Gregory (nee Filmer) on board. Appointed one of the Captains of Greenwich Hospital in 1856, Liardet wrote three practical naval books (including the present work), which concentrated on the technical aspects of sailing and are something of a vade mecum for junior officers. Liardet's informal account of shipboard life presents a wonderful glimpse into Royal Navy vessels at mid-century.

Perhaps a testament to its usefulness and readability, this is a scarce work; Worldcat shows only four libraries holding copies.