The Cruise of the Midge

London & Edinburgh: William Blackwood, 1836.

First Edition. 8vo. pps [iii], 397 + [iv], 452. Rebound in black half-morocco over marbled boards, with anchor decorations to spines set between raised bands. Sides of boards slightly scuffed; all edges marbled; corner tips rubbed in some cases; blank endpapers well foxed in both volumes, not affecting the text pages. Half-titles present in both vols. Two different owner bookplates. A handsome set. Previously appearing in Blackwood's magazine in 1834-35 (having first been published anonymously in Paris in 1834), the narrative follows the adventures of young Benjamin Brail, who embarks on a maritime expedition filled with excitement, danger, and humour as he navigates the complexities of trade and maritime life along the African coast.