Marina; or, An Historical and Descriptive Account of Southport, Lytham... 1st Ed

Marina; or, An Historical and Descriptive Account of Southport, Lytham, and Blackpool, P. Whittle — 1st Edition

Publication: Preston, Peter and Henry Whittle, 1831

Formatting: 8vo.

Condition Report: Very Good. This volume presents exceptionally well, retaining much of its antique character despite careful restorative work. The book is bound in early half-calf over French shell marbled boards and has been sympathetically rebacked with a handsome tan calf spine, featuring raised bands and gilt lettering. This modern rebacking ensures the binding is tight, square, and structurally sound, making it perfectly robust for reading and handling. The original dark calf corners and marbled boards show moderate, expected shelf-wear, including rubbing, scuffing, and minor edge bumping commensurate with its age. Internally, the text block remains solid with striking sprinkled red edges. The pages are generally clean, displaying only minor age-toning and occasional light foxing, primarily to the preliminaries. A previous owner's neat pencil signature is present on the front endpaper. Overall, a highly attractive, sturdy, and well-preserved copy of a scarce regional history.

Catalogue Note: This is a scarce First Edition of Peter Whittle's foundational guide to the Lancashire coast. The title page advertises the inclusion of a lithographic map of Southport alongside scenic "prospects" of Lytham and Blackpool, intended to tempt affluent visitors to the local bathing spots.

Original topographical works focusing on the Fylde and Sefton coasts from this period are remarkably scarce on the open market, with surviving copies often found in heavily worn condition or completely rebound in modern cloth. This copy is notable for retaining its early marbled boards and dark calf corners, which have been thoughtfully stabilised with a professional calf reback, presenting a highly attractive and authentic nineteenth-century aesthetic.

Decades before the arrival of the railway brought throngs of Victorian holidaymakers to the Lancashire coast, the region's seaside towns were already gaining a reputation for their restorative waters and bracing sea air. In Marina, Peter Whittle offers a meticulously detailed survey of Southport, Lytham, and Blackpool during their infancy as leisure resorts. Through an engaging mix of topographical observation, local history, and architectural description, Whittle captures the essence of these nascent destinations, tracing their evolution from humble coastal hamlets into fashionable retreats for the health-conscious. An essential piece of North West regional history, this charming guide offers a vivid glimpse into the foundational years of the great British seaside holiday.