A SHIP OF THE LINE; [exceedingly scarce first UK edition]

London: Michael Joseph, (1938). First UK edition and the preferred edition, if one follows the flag. Published in the U.S. one month prior by Little, Brown. Precedes the combined edition. The second book in his famed Hornblower series. In the first issue blue-cloth binding and dust jacket with original price "7/6 net" on front flap. 8vo blue cloth stamped in silver on spine; 304 pages plus 1 page of publisher's ads. About near fine with fading to spine ends and minor rubbing to corners but covers quite bright; in very good dust jacket with chipping to spine ends (not affecting any lettering), minor soiling, light rubbing (primarily at folds), and few short tears. Exceedingly scarce on the market.