First UK edition, first impression (USA first published in 1969 by Lippincott). 340pp. In blue cloth-covered boards with gilt lettering on spine. 8vo. Slight lean. Very gently rubbed and rolled at spine ends. Text block edges and page margin tanning, else internally neat and clean. In its original dust wrapper, edge tanned and gently bumped at edges, a little faded over spine. Dust wrapper not price clipped, showing prices of £1.50 net and 30s net. Dust wrapper now protected in an archival-quality Mylar wrapper, fitted without the use of tape or adhesives.
The first volume in Patrick O'Brian's 20 novel Aubrey-Maturin series of sea stories, set during the Napoleonic Wars.
