Obryen Christopher (2 results)

First edition of O'Bryen's partial translation of Paul Hoste's important L'art des armées navales (1697), "the first major work on naval tactics", which exercised a profound influence (Tunstall p. 59). Signed on the front pastedown endpaper "Sir H. Popham"; Popham's (1762-1820) invention of a telegraphic code was used and greatly admired by Nelson in the West Indies and at Trafalgar. "In navigation, combined operations, and hydrography, as in his more spectacular exploits, [Popham's] intelligence, curiosity, and enthusiasm - always at the service of the navy and his country - shine throughout his life. He was perhaps 'plausible', and certainly unconventional and controversial, yet he was a brilliant empiricist, a fine seaman, and a just and enlightened captain" (ODNB). Hoste's system depended on the five "ordres de marches", orders of sailing that provided the method to form the close-hauled line that Hoste deemed essential to success, and which retained their primacy in the French navy throughout the age of sail. Among his more practically lasting innovations was the detailed theoretical exposition of the tactic of breaking the enemy's line, "a manoeuvre he felt was much used in the Anglo-Dutch War" (Tunstall, p. 62) - and used daringly by Nelson with such brilliant effect. O'Bryen's work was much needed and was intended to serve as a "private doctrinal book" for Royal Navy officers (Tritten, p. 8). Although Tritten is critical of O'Bryen's way with French, he concedes that his book "signalled a growing desire by fleet officers to have a tactical manual in book format". As the Critical Review noted: "It is surprising that, in a commercial nation which hath attained to the highest pinnacle of naval power, this should be the first treatise (so far as we know) upon naval discipline, published by any native or subject of Great Britain". Adams & Waters 2150; ESTC T115206. The Critical Review, Vol. XII, 1762; James J. Tritten, Doctrine and Fleet Tactics in the Royal Navy, 1994; Brian Tunstall, Naval Warfare in the Age of Sail, 1990. Quarto, pp. viii, 90, [11]. With 18 folding engraved plates and the final leaf of "Ships lost by the English during the present War" (recto) and errata (verso). Original blue-grey boards rebacked to style, new label. Modern bookplate of Mario and Fiammetta Witt; Fiammetta (19212011) was granddaughter of the antiquarian bookseller and publisher Leo S. Olschki. Neat repair to front lower corner, a few marks to covers, corners worn, a couple of gatherings with marginal stain. A very good copy, unopened in places.

First edition. First edition. 18 engraved plates (most folding) and 2 letterpress charts. viii, 90, [2] pp. 4to. Christopher O'Bryen was a Lieutenant in the Royal British Navy when he wrote this work, which is the English translation and adaptation of Paul Hoste's L'Art des Armées Navales (Lyon, 1727), which is "a standard work on naval tactics" (NMM) This work is amply illustrated with stirking folding copper-plate engravings that depict ship formations, notable attacks and defenses and even coastal bombardments. It provides a remarkable snapshot of the British Navy (and French Navy) in the end of the eighteenth century, published at the tail end of the Seven Years War, which ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763. The bookplate of John Denis Browne, First Marquess of Sligo (1756-1809), an Irish peer and politician, provides an interesting element of contemporary provenance. ESTC T115206; Cf. NMM V, 736. Provenance: John Denis Browne, 1st Marquess of Sligo (bookplate) Contemporary quarter calf and marbled boards. Near fine 18 engraved plates (most folding) and 2 letterpress charts. viii, 90, [2] pp. 4to.