The Fortune of War

London: Collins, 1979. First Impression. Hardcover. Near Fine+/Fine. First Impression of the sixth Jack Aubrey novel. 8vo: 280pp. Publisher's French blue cloth-effect paper-covered boards, spine stamped in gilt; illustrated dust jacket, priced £5.50. Near Fine or better (slight spine tilt, indent to base, board edges barely sunned); Fine jacket, vivid and bright, with spine panel completely unfaded. A collectible copy. Cunningham A15a. The Aubrey-Maturin series of nautical historical novels—20 completed and one unfinished—are set during the Napoleonic Wars and center on the friendship between Captain Jack Aubrey of the Royal Navy and ship's surgeon Stephen Maturin, polymath and spy. This installment continues the story of Aubrey's exploits during the American War of 1812, recreating in authentic detail two significant historical frigate battles, between HMS Java and USS Constitution and between HMS Shannon and USS Chesapeake. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, with dust jackets carefully preserved in archival, removable polypropylene sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).