AN ESSAY ON NAVAL TACTICS, SYSTEMATICAL AND HISTORICAL. WITH EXPLANATORY PLATES. IN FOUR PARTS.

Second edition, following the first edition printed in parts in 1790 and 1797. One of the most important works on naval tactics published in the age of sail. Clerk was a Scottish merchant with a major interest in navigation, and he based this work on his study of English and continental naval tactics. He was partially influenced to produce the present work due to British naval defeats during the American War of Independence, especially the defeat at Yorktown. The plates illustrate many of the battles Clerk analyzes, including Admiral Rodney's engagement with the French in 1780, Arbuthnot's battle off the mouth of the Chesapeake in 1781, Byron's defeat by the Comte d'Estaing at Grenada in 1779, and more. Admiral Nelson implemented some of Clerk's tactics during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Not in Sabin, despite the American content. "Distinctive as one of the first British accounts of tactics, as opposed to a work in French translation, and for its criticism of the current Royal Naval practice of looking more to signal books to the detriment of fighting instructions" - DNB. First edition: JCB MARITIME HAND-LIST 1277. ADAMS & WATERS 359, 360. SCOTT 419. Quarto. Half title. Contemporary polished calf, ruled in gilt, spine richly gilt, raised bands, gilt morocco label. Modern bookplate on front pastedown. Boards edgeworn; hinges cracked but boards holding. Scattered foxing. About very good.…