Bligh, William
First editions and rare books by William Bligh.
Captain of the Bounty and key figure in the most famous mutiny in history, Bligh’s reputation today is largely based on Charles Laughton’s melodramatic film portrayal of him. While his role in the mutiny may remain controversial, his status as one of the most brilliant seamen of the period ought not to be. He was appointed master on the Resolution for Cook’s third voyage when just 22 years old, and was selected to command the Bounty mission, intended as a key element in British imperial development. In order to pre-empt criticism of his conduct during the voyage he published his personal account of events as soon as he returned to England: the Narrative of 1790. The official account, augmented by much more information about the voyage as a whole, followed two years later.
BLIGH, Lieutenant William.
A Narrative of the Mutiny on Board His Majesty's Ship Bounty; 1790
£12,500
First edition of Bligh's personal account of "one of the most remarkable incidents in the whole of maritime history", published two years before his full official version of the...
Quarto (288 × 230 mm) Later speckled calf, black morocco labels, panel of French fillet gilt to the boards, spine gilt in compartments with repeated wavy line... Read more
BLIGH, William.
A Voyage to the South Sea, undertaken by command of His Majesty, 1792
£10,000
First edition of Bligh's own full account of his voyage which led to the most famous mutiny in the history of the sea. In mid-1787 Bligh received the command of the Bounty, then...
Quarto (271 × 219 mm). Near-contemporary half calf (perhaps Irish), skilfully rebacked with original spine laid down, red morocco label, spine decorated in gilt... Read more
