Descrizione

4to. (2), 169, (1), 6, (2) pp. Contemporary blindstamped full cloth with giltstamped title to cover and spine. Addenda to the Indian Ocean Sailing Directory for the Royal Navy, including intriguing remarks on the Arabian Gulf, reflecting the challenges the British faced seeking to control the area: "Bahrein Islands, and the adjacent coast, are under British 'protection', and from Al Bida to Ras al Kheimeh is called the Pirate Coast, whose chiefs (known as 'trucial' chiefs) are bound by treaty with the Indian Government to prevent piracy and the slave-trade. The Gulf is patrolled by British war-vessels, to keep order among the independent tribes, the British Resident being stationed at Bushire" (p. 101). - Further, the directory observes dangerous currents in the Arabian Sea between Cape Guardafui and Ras Hafun, where "numerous wrecks have occured", acknowledges "considerable improvement" at Aden harbour, involving the dredging of a channel and deeper basin, while also mentioning suitable buoyaging in accordance with the Indian Uniform System. The volume concludes with regulations for oil shipments via the Suez Canal and a reminder not to smoke or carry lucifer matches aboard an oil tank. - Extremities lightly bumped, hinges starting at pastedowns. Interior in excellent condition.