STAR COMPASS Longitude Finder, Star Clock and Planisphere. (Model for Latitude Band 500-550 N. London, George Allen & Unwin, Ltd.

Small 12mo, pp. 43, [1]; with moveable card instrument comprising a base board to which is pivoted a rotating central star disc marked with the months of the year and the constellations, over which is attached by two further rivets a partly transparent mask and graticule superimposed, with printed compass on verso; compass housed within cloth pocket on front paste-down; some minor offsetting from instrument onto half-title, with some minor browning throughout; three loose, clipped and used bus tickets; stitched as issued, in the original blue cloth, lettered in blue, with some light edgewear at head and tail of spine, retaining the original unclipped dust-jacket, considerably chipped and worn, with significant loss to upper cover, with further nicks and tears at head and tail of spine and outer margins, dust-jacket printed re-using old print stock; despite wear, a sound copy. First edition of this practical manual, written by the noted British aviator and solo sailor Sir Francis Chichester (1901-1972), and including a portable and simple to use moveable planisphere and printed compass. Published at the end of WWII, the manual was aimed at both student and experienced navigators, and could be used to help with 'steering by the stars or checking the magnetic compass, for use as a star clock or for finding the longitude, and not least important, [as] an excellent planisphere' (front dust-jacket). Designed for use anywhere in the world in a band of latitude between 50 degrees N. and 55 degrees N, on both land or sea, it was 'ideal for the navigator, pilot, or cadet.' (rear dj). Unable to join the RAF at the outbreak of WW2 due to age and eyesight, Chichester was not granted a commission until early 1941 when he joined the RAFVR for the duration of hostilities. His civil occupation was listed as Air Navigation Specialist. His first posting was to the Air Ministry in the Navigation section of the Directorate of Air Member Training, where he served until August 1942. In July 1943 he was sent to the Empire Central Flying School where he instructed in navigation until released in September 1945. During the war he wrote a number of instruction manuals for the Ministry, and pioneered fighter pilot flying techniques that did not require the use of maps. He was knighted by for becoming the first person to sail single-handed around the world by the clipper route, and the fastest circumnavigator, taking just nine months and one day to complete the voyage in his yacht, Gipsy Moth IV in 1967. Though still retaining the original dust-jacket, it is considerably worn and torn. Of interest however, and a sign of the straighten post-war economy, it has been printed re-using previously printed paper stock.