The Wynne Diaries

The Wynne Diaries, edited by Anne Fremantle. Volume I 1789-1794, Volume II 1794-1798, Volume III 1798-1820. 3 vols, Oxford University Press, First Editions, 1935, 1937 and 1940. Vol. I: 376 pages, 7 plates and 2 folding maps, Vol. II 274 pages, 9 plates and 1 folding map, Vol. III 428 pages, 9 plates and two folding battle plans. All three volumes with original dust jackets which are not price clipped and just minor crinkling at the head and foot. Internally each volume is clean and free of markings. Overall an Extremely Fine set in wonderful condition and now Rare as a complete set and in this condition.  £250 with free shipping to the UK.

When it comes to a set of books which have the ability to place you in Naples with Lord Nelson, Sir William Hamilton and Lady Hamilton, or at sea with Nelson, it is the diaries kept by Elizabeth (Betsy) Fremantle, nee Wynne and her sister Eugenia. Betsy was married to Captain Thomas Fremantle, one of Nelson’s Band of Brothers, who was with Nelson at Santa Cruz, Copenhagen and Trafalgar. Indeed, Betsy sailed with her husband on the Santa Cruz expedition where Nelson, with his shattered arm, insisted on being rowed back to his own ship instead of coming aboard Fremantle’s ship which was nearer, all in order not to cause Betsy undue concern. All of the colour and gossip of a Jane Austen novel set in the Mediterranean amongst Nelson’s fleet during these eventful times is here. The Wynne Diaries have proved an important source for naval historians over the years.