British Sports and Sportsmen: Yachting and Rowing.

$2,000.00

Item Number: 111672

London: British Sports and Sportsmen, 1916.

First edition, limited to 1,000 examples. Folio, bound in original full morocco, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, gilt ruled to the front and rear panels, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers, raised bands, numerous photogravure portraits. This lavishly-produced survey of large and small boat racing, cruising, and rowing, includes biographies of prominent yachtsmen, and includes descriptions of the America’s Cup and single-handed cruising. From the library of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the pastedown. American businessman and record-setting aviator Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo nonstop around the world in 2002 in his 10-story high balloon Spirit of Freedom. He completed the 2002 trip in 13 days, 8 hours, and 33 minutes and set records for both the Longest Distance Flown Solo in a Balloon and Fastest Balloon Flight Around the World. Fossett was also one of sailing’s most prolific distance record holders set the Absolute World Speed Record for airships with a Zeppelin NT in 2004. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career including aviation’s highest award, the Gold Medal of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), which he was awarded in 2002. Fossett disappeared on September 3, 2007 while flying a light aircraft over the Great Basin Desert, between Nevada and California. In near fine condition. A nice example with noted provenance.