Lives of the Admirals, and other eminent British seamen [Vols. I and II only]

London: Printed by John Applebee, For J. and H. Pemberton...and T. Waller, 1742. Very Good +. London: Printed by John Applebee, For J. and H. Pemberton...and T. Waller, 1742. First Edition. Two volumes; octavos (20.5cm.); full contemporary speckled calf, gilt-lettered spines in six compartments; [16],496,[28]; [8],480,[26]pp. (collated complete); woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces. Light occasional foxing to textblock, final two blank leaves of Vol. I neatly excised, 20th century ownership rubberstamp to front pastedowns, else a Very Good, superlative set, albeit lacking Vols. III and IV, which were published two years later, in 1744. Includes publisher's advertisements on Vol. I, p. [xvi], promoting Henry Fielding's "Plutus" and the "Orations" of Cicero.

Continuing from the title page: "Containing Their Personal Histories, and a Detail of all their Public Services. Including A New and accurate Naval History from the earliest Account of Time; and clearly proving by a continued series of Facts, our uninterrupted Claim to, and Enjoyment of the Dominion of our Seas. Interspersed With many curious Passages relating to our Discoveries, Plantations, and Commerce. The whole supported throughout by proper Authorities."

ESTC T90051, noting that a fifth volume appeared in 1781.