The Naval History of Great Britain, from the Declaration of War by France in 1793, to the Accession of George IV

London: Richard Bentley, 1847 . Leather. Near Fine. 9" by 6". Not Stated. A beautiful edition of naval historian William James's detailed and richly illustrated history of the Royal Navy. A 'New Edition' of naval historian William James's impressive work, in which he aims to provide an exacting and detailed account of every naval war operation between 1793 and 1820.James consulted every published work on the subject that he could locate, alongside French and English official narratives, while also including details from ship logs, and where possible personal testimonies from individuals involved.Illustrated with four folding plates and four portraits to volume I; three folding plates and four portraits to volume II; six folding plates and three portraits to volume III; two folding plates and four portraits to volume IV; four folding plates and four portraits to volume VI, and nine folding plates and five portraits to volume VI. Collated, complete.With an armorial bookplate reading 'Stemmata Quid Faciunt' to each front pastedown.Retaining the original half titles.Sometimes described as a 'monument to accuracy', James's work offers an almost unparalleled level of detailed insight into naval movements during the Napoleonic wars and surrounding years. Rebacked, with original morocco boards restored, and endpapers renewed. Externally, excellent. A touch of rubbing to fore edge of boards, otherwise externally fine, with gilt detailing to back strip. Armorial bookplate to front pastedowns. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright, with instances of light spotting to portraits of volumes I, II and VI. Near Fine