Chapman, Frederik Henrik af.

oblong folio (570 x 858mm.), engraved dedication leaf, letterpress key to plates in English, 62 engraved plates, modern half calf, morocco lettering-pieces, lacking engraved titlepage (supplied in facsimile) and the key to plates in French and Swedish, final plate torn with slight loss (not affecting image), other small tears (some repaired), some plates creased, stained, spotted

BL STC Scandinavian C250

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

first edition of the outstanding work on naval architecture of the eighteenth century. Chapman (1721-1808), the son of a Yorkshire naval officer, was born in Gothenburg and developed a flair for shipbuilding at a very young age, constructing a cutter for Baltic trade whilst still a teenager. He worked at an English shipyard at Deptford for some years, during which time he was suspected of being a foreign spy. Chapman returned to Gothenburg in 1744 to build both ships and a considerable reputation. Gustaf III entrusted him with the task of bolstering and improving the national fleet. The plates in Architectura navalis were engraved by Chapman's nephew Lars Bogman and represent merchant ships, privateers and pleasure craft. The intended text volume was not published until 1775, with the title Tractat om Skepps-Byggeriet.