Navigation and Nautical Astronomy by Commander Benjamin Dutton is the 1943 Eighth Edition published by the United States Naval Institute and revised by the Department of Seamanship and Navigation at the United States Naval Academy.
Prepared for the instruction of midshipmen, this 568 page hardcover covers navigation, nautical astronomy, celestial observations, time, almanacs, azimuth calculations, charts, and related methods used in maritime navigation.
The text is supported by numerous diagrams, technical drawings, tables, and black and white photographs.
This copy is the September 1943 revision of the Eighth Edition, placing it directly in the World War II period of United States naval training.
Details
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Item: Naval navigation and nautical astronomy textbook
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Title: Navigation and Nautical Astronomy
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Author: Commander Benjamin Dutton, U.S. Navy
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Publisher: United States Naval Institute, Annapolis, Maryland
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Publication Year: 1943
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Edition and Printing: Eighth Edition, revised September 1943. Original edition published in 1926. The copyright page records earlier corrections, reprints, and revisions through 1943.
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Format and Binding: dark blue cloth hardcover with gold lettering
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Dust Jacket: none present
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Pages: 568 pages
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Genre: navigation, nautical astronomy, maritime reference, naval instruction
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Language: English
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ISBN: none shown. This 1943 edition predates the ISBN system.
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Dimensions: approximately 10 inches by 7 inches by 1.5 inches
Condition Grade: Very Good
Positives
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Graded Very Good: Sound and attractive with light exterior wear, a previous owner's inscription, and clean readable interior pages.
- The hardcover binding remains intact and the book opens comfortably through the photographed sections.
- Interior pages are clean and easy to read, with dark printed text and clearly reproduced diagrams and illustrations.
- Technical drawings, astronomical diagrams, and black and white photographs remain clear.
- The gold cover lettering remains strong and easily readable against the dark blue cloth.
Issues / Wear
- The blue cloth covers show light rubbing, small surface marks, and wear along the edges and corners.
- The spine ends and outer corners show rubbing from shelf use.
- The exposed page edges have noticeable age toning.
- A previous owner, Forrest A. Shirley, signed the front free endpaper in ink. Additional notation beneath the name is not clearly confirmed.
- No dust jacket is present.
Condition Grade Key
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Near Fine: Almost perfect. Very minor signs of age only.
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Very Good: Shows light use. Sound and attractive with minor flaws.
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Good: Complete and intact. Noticeable wear consistent with age and use.
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Fair: Shows significant wear. Readable or usable but clearly used.
Collector's Notes
The United States Naval Academy used works such as Dutton's as instructional references for training midshipmen in navigation, and this Eighth Edition was published during World War II.
It suits maritime history, U.S. Navy, celestial navigation, nautical science, and World War II reference collections.
The copyright page identifies this specifically as the September 1943 revision, rather than leaving the printing period to guesswork.
It is the sort of old technical book that still rewards opening it, especially when the diagrams start explaining how sailors found their way before electronic navigation did the work.
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All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece, please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.
Care and Handling:
Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40 to 50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings.
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