The Naval Chronology of Great Britain - in Three Volumes with Contemporarily Coloured Plates

London: Whitmore and Fenn, 1820 The Naval Chronology of Great Britain or an historical account of the Naval and Maritime events from the commencement of the War in 1803, to the end of the year 1816. Also particulars of the most inportant Courts-Martial, votes of Parliament, Lists of Flag Officers in Commission and of promotions for each year. A work of invaluable reference on the British Navy during the period of the Napoleonic Wars, and remarkably detailed, using, amongst others, the first hand accounts of officers and sailors involved in the engagements. Many of the plates record events based on the drawings of officers participating in the battles depicted. "The object of this work is, more particularly, to perpetuate the names of those individuals who have, by their talents, courage, and professional abilities, increased the honour and reputation of the British Navy, and secured the peace and independence of the country." 60 coloured plates with plate list at the end of volume three, collated and complete. The plate page headers are printed in blue, confirming that they were contemporarily coloured at issue, and distinguishing them from later coloured copies (Tooley). Contemporary full calf with gilt and blind, recently rebacked to a high standard. Slight worm ingress to page peripherals in volume two but not affecting print areas, otherwise very good throughout. A superb set and very scarce in this form.