- 2 Frassetto Way - Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
The Peter Benchley Collection: Jaws, A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Ocean Conservation.
Lot 102:
Description
Three volumes on maritime history, underwater archaeology, and treasure salvage. The group includes a First Edition of The Well of Sacrifice: An account of the expedition to recover the lost Mayan treasures of Chichén Itzá by Donald Ediger, published by Doubleday & Company, Inc. in 1971. Also present is a Revised Edition of The Treasure Diver’s Guide by John S. Potter, Jr., published by Doubleday, and a 1987 Dover Publications softcover revised republication of Shipwrecks in the Americas by Robert F. Marx. The Well of Sacrifice is inscribed on the front flyleaf by Donald Ediger to author Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006). The inscription is dated 8/8/75 and reads, "To: Peter Benchley. Really enjoyed Jaws. Sorry my book couldn’t be the seller yours is, however hope you enjoy parts of it. Regards, Don." The Potter and Marx volumes are unsigned. The hardbound volumes are bound in cloth and presented in original pictorial dust jackets. The Potter volume is bound in blue cloth and contains interior pencil marginalia marking passages regarding Spanish galleons. The Ediger volume is bound in black cloth. The Marx volume is a trade paperback with a pictorial wrapper and includes 73 illustrations. Largest copy: 9 1/2" L x 6 3/8" W x 2 1/4" D.
The books behind the books. Peter’s working library of marine biology, maritime history, underwater archaeology, exploration and shark science is where The Deep, Beast, Shark Trouble and his National Geographic articles began. He loved these books and read them thoroughly.
From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.
Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund.
Condition report:
The Treasure Diver’s Guide shows significant wear to the dust jacket including losses at the head and tail of the spine and chipping at the corners. Red staining and foxing are present along the top edge of the text block. The Well of Sacrifice dust jacket exhibits heavy edge wear, surface rubbing, and small closed tears. Shipwrecks in the Americas displays creasing to the front wrapper and general shelf wear to the spine.
Share this lot:
