Relic of the Royal George

Relic of the Royal George (S. Horsey / Eighth Edition, 1848)

A book detailing the circumstances relating to one of the deadliest disasters in British maritime history: the sinking of the Royal George at Spithead on 29 August 1782 whilst undergoing minor repair work, with the loss of around 900 lives. 

Sub-titled, 'A Narrative of the Loss of the Royal George at Spithead, 1782; Tracey's Attempt to Raise her in 1783; Her Demolition and Removal by Major-General Paisley's Operations in 1839-40-41-42 & 43; Including a Statement of Her Sinking Written by Her Then Flag-Lieutenant, the Late Admiral Sir C. P. H. Durham G. C. B. Recently Commander-in-Chief at Portsmouth.'

Small-format (7 x 11 cms) hardcover, purported to be bound in the wood of the wreck according to title page and inside front cover which states: 'The publisher begs to inform the public that the timber from which the covers of this book were made was purchased at H. M. Dockyard, Portsmouth, and they may fully confide on its being a genuine relic of the ill-fated Royal George.'

Good condition with pull-out illustration of the listing Royal George which has crease to opening section; gold gilt-edged pages; black leatherbound spine / backpiece and wood boards. in excellent good condition with clean, unmarked pages which are free from notes and underlining and no marking to black clothbound boards or gilt-embossed spine / backpiece. Light wear to card dustkacket – which has been price-clipped – chiefly in the form of rubbing / minor tearing at top and bottom of spine section. 

Pages: 180