Russell, W. Clark

The Wreck of the "Grosvenor": An Account of the Mutiny of the Crew and the Loss of the Ship when trying to make the Bermudas. London: Sampson Lowe, Marston, Searle & Rivington, 1877, 8vo (195 x 140 mm.), three volumes, first edition, half-titles, original green cloth blocked in blind with publisher's monogram, spine lettered in gilt, in a collector's folding box, [Sadleir 3011, Wolff 6074], hinges expertly repaired, lightly rubbed, a few scattered paper repairs, occasional spotting, small puncture hole to first seven leaves of volume 1, early ownership inscription; [with, loosely inserted in volume 1:] autograph letter signed ("W. Clark Russell"), on a photograph of his mother, 1 page, 8vo, headed stationery of 9 Sydney Place, Bath, 9 May 1898; The Golden Hope: a Romance of the Deep. London: Hurst and Blackett, 1887, 8vo (195 x 135 mm.), three volumes, first edition, half-titles, original blue-green cloth lettered and blocked in black with anchor device, spines lettered in gilt, modern chemises and slipcase, [Wolff 6019], recased with new endpapers, spines slightly discoloured; The Emigrant Ship. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, 1893, 8vo (192 x 140 mm.), three volumes, first edition, original blue cloth lettered in gilt, [Sadleir 2095, Wolff 6014]; The Convict Ship. London: Chatto & Windus, 1895, 8vo (185 x 124mm.), three volumes, first edition, advertisements at the end of volume 2, original dark blue morocco cloth, covers blocked in blind with wavy design, floral endpapers, spines lettered in gilt, [Wolff 6012], foxed; List, Ye Landsmen. A Romance of Incident. London: Cassell & Company, 1893, 8vo (185 x 125mm.), three volumes, first edition,  publisher's catalogues, original greenish-blue coarse morocco grain cloth, lettered in gilt, floral endpapers, [Wolff 6032]

 

Condition is described in the body of the catalogue, 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."

"...The greatest master of the sea, living or dead..." (Algernon Swinburne on W. Clark Russell)

Russell (1844-1911) spent his formative years in the merchant navy, and although he retired from the sea at the age of 22, he continued to draw on his experiences throughout his writing life and became an eloquent spokesman for the merchant service.