Escape of the Amethyst C.E. Lucas Phillips 1957 1st Ed Heinemann Naval History

Key Details

Title: Escape of the Amethyst

Author: C. E. Lucas Phillips, O.B.E., M.C.

With: Commander J. S. Kerans, D.S.O., R.N.

Publisher: William Heinemann Ltd

Year: 1957

Edition: First Edition – first published 1957

Format: Hardcover with original illustrated dust jacket

Printed: The Windmill Press, Kingswood, Surrey, Great Britain

Language: English

Subject: Royal Navy / HMS Amethyst / Yangtze Incident / Chinese Civil War / Military History

Illustrations: Includes photographic illustrations and maps

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Mini Story or Hook

A classic account of one of the Royal Navy’s most dramatic post-war episodes – the 1949 Yangtze Incident and the eventual escape of HMS Amethyst.

Written by decorated military historian C. E. Lucas Phillips with the cooperation of Commander J. S. Kerans, who commanded Amethyst during the latter stages of the incident, the book recounts the ship’s ordeal after coming under Communist fire on the Yangtze River, its prolonged confinement and its remarkable night-time dash to freedom.

First published by Heinemann in 1957, this is an appealing early copy retaining its evocative original dust jacket, featuring Amethyst and a map of the Yangtze operation.

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Condition

Condition: Good vintage condition – see detailed notes and photographs.

This is an original 1957 hardcover with dust jacket.

* Original illustrated dust jacket is present and currently housed in a clear protective covering.

* Dust jacket shows considerable age-related wear, including creasing, rubbing, edge wear, small losses and tears, particularly around the upper and lower edges.

* Jacket remains striking and substantially complete despite the wear.

* Book itself presents well for its age.

* Pages show age toning and scattered foxing/sp spotting, particularly to the preliminary pages.

* Binding appears sound.

* Includes photographic frontispiece of HMS Amethyst at Devonport.

* Maps and photographic material are present.

* Rear jacket retains an old The Book Depot, 288 Lt. Collins St., Melbourne bookseller label – a nice piece of Australian retail provenance.

* Copyright page states “First published 1957”, supporting identification as the first edition.

A characterful copy of an important Royal Navy history, particularly desirable for retaining its original dust jacket.

📸 The photos form part of the description – please examine them closely.

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Postage & Handling

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