Stebbins, Nathaniel L.
1891

First Edition Stebbins' Illustrated Coast Pilot - 1891

Stebbins' Illustrated Coast Pilot: The Coast of New England from New York to Eastport Maine including Bays and Harbors

DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION of this antique, late 19th century landmark in coastal navigation from the famous Boston-based marine photographer Nathaniel Stebbins. An interesting late 19th century artifact that combined the (then) new technology of photography with the oldest known form of recorded navigational instructions- the periplus or book of written sailing directions.

Stebbin's fascinating antique coast pilot first demonstrated the practical application of photography to navigation, a field long dominated by man-made representations of coastal features. Contains numerous photographs of key landmarks and navigational aids accompanied by textual sailing directions. Among the hundreds of photographs are Stepping Stones lighthouse, Execution Rocks lighthouse, Stamford Harbor lighthouse, Bartlett Reef light vessel, Newport Harbor lighthouse, Hen and Chickens light vessel, Vineyard Sound light vessel, Hyannis wharf and range lights, Great Round Shoal light vessel (appears to be a decrepit wreck of a sailing vessel), Nantucket lighthouses at Brant Point and Great Point, and the Boston and Marblehead lighthouses.

Includes numerous interesting nautical advertisements. Covers the United States northeast from New York to Maine.

We are not aware of an earlier coast pilot containing photographic coastal images. Already scarce, this overlooked volume with a sea-worthy canvas cover belongs in the collection of all those interested in 19th century U.S. coastal charts. Numerous nautical-related advertisements scattered thoughout. The author describes this internal advertising as an effort to hold down the cost to the reader. Boston. 1st ed.

CREATOR: Stebbins, Nathaniel L.

PUBLICATION DATE: 1891

GEOGRAPHIC AREA: United States

BODY OF WATER: Atlantic Ocean

CONDITION: Good. (Revised 9/2015) Original canvas covers slightly stained from usage. Binding repaired tight. Pages generally good though slightly thumbed. Uniform age toning.

COLORING: Black and White

ENGRAVER:

SIZE: 11 " x 8 "

ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION: 0

PRICE: $465

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