HOW TO SWIM: A PRACTICAL TREATISE..., by Capt Davis Dalton - 1899
How to Swim: A Practical Treatise Upon the Art of Natation
by Captain Davis Dalton
First edition, 11th printing. New York, London: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1899.
Hardback is overall in GOOD+ condition.
- Pictorial cloth retains its vibrant cover image.
- Binding is intact.
- Boards very lightly soiled and scuffed.
- Binding is a bit cocked.
- Head and tail of spine are softened.
- Spine shows a smudge and 3 tiny spots.
- Front tissue is a bit loose
- Signature on endpaper, otherwise interior is free of any other writing or intentional marks
- Pages are a bit toned.
- May exhibit additional minor signs of age or wear.
- VS052815
133 pages. 5" by 7"
"Together with instruction as to the the best methods of saving persons imperiled in the water, and of resuscitating those apparently drowned." Book includes a portrait frontispiece, and Line drawings throughout, and a few illustration plates. "Natation" being an archaic and technical word for swimming. Author is described as "champion long-distance swimmer of the world."
The German-born athlete was one of the first to swim the English Channel in 1890, but the claim was disputed. He tried for other records in the UK and US. Captain Davis Dalton (1846-1899) was famously known for his "back swimming" style and role in saving lives in water. An extreme swimmer of the 19th century, he tried for many records of the day in the UK and US. He passed at a relatively young age, from having an apoplectic fit during a swimming exhibition in the US. His sons also wrote books on swimming, and his instruction techniques were used throughout the 20th century.
AS IS! Please see photos. More photos available upon request.
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