Sailing Alone Around the World and Voyage of the Liberdade by Captain Joshua Slocum

Sailing Alone Around the World and Voyage of the Liberdade by Captain Joshua Slocum is a classic of maritime literature, bringing together two remarkable accounts by one of history’s most celebrated sailors and adventurers. This attractive 1949 hardcover edition was published in London by The Reprint Society and features an introduction by renowned author and sailing enthusiast Arthur Ransome.

The principal work, Sailing Alone Around the World, records Slocum’s extraordinary voyage aboard the sloop Spray. Departing in 1895 and completing his journey in 1898, Slocum became famous as the first person to sail single-handedly around the world. His narrative combines seamanship, exploration, humour, encounters in distant ports and vivid descriptions of the challenges of ocean travel during the closing years of the nineteenth century.

Also included is Voyage of the Liberdade, Slocum’s account of the remarkable voyage that followed the loss of his vessel Aquidneck in South America. Together, the two works provide a fascinating portrait of a resourceful and determined mariner whose adventures helped establish the modern tradition of solo ocean sailing.

This illustrated Reprint Society edition comprises 392 pages, with Sailing Alone Around the World occupying the first portion and Voyage of the Liberdade the second. Particularly attractive are the illustrated map endpapers showing the route of the Spray around the world. The blue cloth binding carries a black spine title panel with gilt lettering. An excellent vintage volume for collectors of maritime history, sailing, exploration, travel writing and classic adventure literature.

Condition – Very Good

1949 hardcover without dust jacket. Blue cloth covers show shelf wear, rubbing and some surface marking consistent with age. The gilt lettering and decorative black title panel on the spine remain bright and attractive. Internally, the covers/endpapers have separated along the inner hinges in places but remain securely attached. Foxing and age-related spotting are present, including to the illustrated map endpapers and preliminaries. Overall a sound and presentable vintage copy despite the noted internal separation.