Fisher Life; or, The Memorials of Cellardyke and the Fife Coast, George Gourlay

£95.00

Fisher Life; or, The Memorials of Cellardyke and the Fife Coast, George Gourlay

Name: Fisher Life; or, The Memorials of Cellardyke and the Fife Coast, George Gourlay
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5910
Price: 95.00 GBP
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Fisher Life; or, The Memorials of Cellardyke and the Fife Coast, George Gourlay — 1st Edition

Publication: Cupar, "Fife Herald" Office, 1879

Formatting: 8vo.

Condition Report: Very Good. The volume presents in its original rust-brown publisher's cloth, which remains structurally sound and appealing despite some expected handling wear. The spine exhibits typical darkening and mild rubbing to the head and tail, while the corners are lightly bumped. Both the black and gilt tooling to the front board, most notably the central maritime vignette, remain remarkably bright and unoxidised. Internally, the binding holds firm with only the slightest tenderness at the front inner hinge; the dark green endpapers are intact and unmarked by significant previous ownership signatures. The text block, bearing slightly toned margins and very mild, occasional foxing, is clean, unmarked, and highly legible throughout, reflecting an overall tight and well-preserved copy of this vulnerable Victorian production.

Catalogue Note: This is a rare first edition of George Gourlay's definitive local history of the East Fife fishing communities. Bound in its original decorated cloth featuring a striking gilt roundel of a cutter at sea, it stands as a scarce survival of regional Scottish publishing.

Originally printed in Cupar and simultaneously sold by the author in Anstruther, true first editions of this work are notably difficult to secure on the open market; frequently only encountered as modern facsimiles or later reprints.

A cornerstone of Scottish local history, Fisher Life; or, The Memorials of Cellardyke and the Fife Coast provides an intimate and unflinching portrait of the 19th-century maritime communities of East Fife. Written by Anstruther native and bookseller George Gourlay, the narrative immortalises the everyday heroism, perilous voyages, and profound tragedies of the local fishing fleets. From the devastating squalls of the North Sea to the quiet endurance of the families ashore, Gourlay's meticulously researched account stands as a poignant tribute to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Scottish fisherfolk.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: George Gourlay

Book Publisher: "Fife Herald" Office

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: History

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages:

Book Publication Year: 1879

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Cupar, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.