Rattlin, The Reefer

A copy of the popular 'Rattlin the Reefer' by Edward Howard, edited by Captain Frederick Marryat. Author's Edition. Bound in blue covered cloth boards with gilt lettering. Captain Frederick Marryat (July 10, 1792 August 9, 1848) was an English novelist, a contemporary and acquaintance of Charles Dickens, noted today as an early pioneer of the sea story. He is now known particularly for the semi-autobiographical novel Mr Midshipman Easy and his children's novel The Children of the New Forest. 'Rattlin, the Reefer' was edited by Frederick Marryat for his friend and fellow captain Edward Howard. For several generations, however, people thought it was actually written by Marryat. From the main character's early schooling, to his life as a midshipman, to his experiences aboard ship, this work offers an accurate insight into the life as a naval man during the period, inevitably drawing heavily on both Marryat and Howard"s own experiences in the navy. Like many of Marryat's books, this book is thought to be autobiographical although this was never specifically confirmed by Captain Howard himself. While almost unknown to modern audiences, Edward Howard's writing has been favourably compared to that of Tobias Smollett and Herman Melville. The binding is generally firm. There is wear to the extremities including bumping, some marking and a 2.5" tear to the spine. The spine is cocked. The rear inner hinge is strained and the frontispiece and tissue guard are loose but present. Internally the pages are slightly browned to the edges with the odd handling mark. There is a small ink inscription to the front free end paper. Good Only.…