Between the Covers

Softcover. Small quarto pamphlet, approximately 6.75" x 3.5". 19, [1, blank] pp., A–B[4], C1–C[ 2]. Stitched, without wrappers, later (?) paper reinforcement strip to spine. First leaf slightly dust-soiled, very good. This pamphlet serves as a continuation of a proposal first made in
1777 to establish at Chelsea a naval training school for young English boys. The school was the brainchild of English philanthropist and
merchant Jonas Hanway. The objectives of the school were to train young boys for the Royal Navy, and to ensure the children of fallen
officers who had died in serving their country could receive a naval education. The details of the institution and its benefits for King,
country, and character are herein outlined. Pages 13–19 record a lengthy list of subscribers; many, quite obviously, with title, status, and notable standing.

Not on *ESTC*, *COPAC*, or *OCLC*. A variant example, in seventeen pages, held by the National Maritime Museum in England, has a similar, but variant title, and suggests a date of 1781. We suspect NMM’s example chronologically preceded this present example. Other Maritime School on the Banks of the Thames pamphlets are recorded, but not with this title’s wording. Additionally, they often appear to post-date this present example which is apparently unrecorded. Of the other editions, not one mentions in the caption title that the school was intended for training individuals who would then serve with the East India Company. A curious anomaly?

Item #362453