The Oxford Encyclopedia of Maritime History (set of 4 volume )

Oxford University Press, 2007. First Edition. hardcover. Hattendorf, John B. [Editor] : The Oxford Encyclopedia of Maritime History (Four volume set). New York : Oxford University Press, 2007. First edition/First impression. Size of each volume is quarto (4vo), 11.25"/28.5cm h. Handsomely bound in publisher's slightly paler than ocean blue, with black bands trimmed in gilt and with gilt lettering to both spine and front board of each volume, and a gilt compass. Plain cream endpapers. Each volume comprises give or take 700 pp. Contents: Vol I contains list of staff, list of entries for the full set, editor's intro; then entries (each with their own bibliography) - beginning with "Actium" (in which Octavian/Augustus put his civil war foes to flight), through "Ex voto" (the offering of thanks for safekeeping, often in the form of a painting of the ship being kept safe); the final entry of Vol 4 is "Zheng He" (the 15th century Chinese mariner and explorer). Vol 4 also contains an 11 page "Topical Outline of Entries", a 21 page list of contributors, and a 219 page index. Condition notes: lovely first edition copies, not ex-library, with excellent bindings/good color retention. The bindings are not pristine - some corners are bumped, and there is an occasional scratch to the textblock edges - but they are excellent. The interiors are bright and unmarked. This set is from the library of the late Robert D. Foulke - a contributor of four entries to the set, scholar of Joseph Conrad, and travel writer, whose return address labels are affixed to the head of each front free endpaper. Please note this set is large and heavy - almost twenty pounds - and will require additional postage. We ship carefully, sealed, padded, tracked, and insured in a sturdy box; we encourage you request a shipping quote from us prior to placing your order. We personally inspect every book we offer.