Memoirs of Service Afloat, During the War Between the States
Baltimore: Kelly, Piet & Co., 1869. First Edition. Illustrated with steel engraved portraits, 6 colored lithographs, in text map and diagrams. Original cloth over boards. Tall octavo. xvi, 17-833 pages, [4 ads].
A true classic by this native Marylander. Semmes was born in Charles County, joined the U. S. Navy in 1826, and served in the Mexican War. At the start of the Civil War he took command of the CSS Sumter at New Orleans, breached the Union blockade, and launched a brilliant career as one of the greatest commerce raiders in naval history commanding the CSS Alabama.
Semmes was considered by contemporaries to be one of the most cogent but bitter defenders of the 'Lost Cause' Southern mythology, and is credited with popularizing the term 'War Between the States' (as his subtitle herein.) coining. A genuine classic, superbly written, and illustrated with portraits and 6 colored plates of naval scenes.
Ref. NEVINS I p. 233; EICHER 341; WRIGHT S247.
Very good in original binding of dark green pebbled cloth over boards with gilt-stamped spine titles and ornamentation, gilt-stamped author name to upper board, dark brown coated endpapers. Old bookplate removal at top fore corner of front pastedown took that section of endpaper with it. Secondary old prior ownership name penned on front pastedown. A few light rubs to exterior with gilt remaining quite bright. Binding slightly shaken, a few tissue guards laid in loose. A better than usual copy.
Item #2005
Price: $750