This 1962 American Practical Navigator by Nathaniel Bowditch is a substantial U.S. Navy navigation reference in a dark blue hardcover binding.

The illustrated volume covers piloting, dead reckoning, navigation instruments, calculations, nautical terminology, and the practical work of determining a vessel’s position and course.

Details

• Item: Hardcover maritime navigation reference book
• Title: American Practical Navigator: An Epitome of Navigation
• Author: Originally by Nathaniel Bowditch, LL.D.
• Illustrator: Not confirmed from photos
• Publisher: U.S. Navy Hydrographic Office under the authority of the Secretary of the Navy
• Year: 1962
• Edition/Printing: 1962 Corrected Reprint
• Publication Number: H.O. Publication No. 9
• Format: Dark blue textured hardcover with gold lettering
• Dust Jacket: No dust jacket shown
• Pages:1,524 pages.
• Special Features: Black and white photographs, technical diagrams, formulas, navigation instruments, appendices, glossary, and portrait of Nathaniel Bowditch
• Size: Approximately 7 inches by 5 inches by 3 inches

Condition Grade: Very Good

Positives

• The hardcover binding appears firm and opens securely in the photographed areas.
• The gold cover and spine lettering remain clear and readable.
• Interior photographs, diagrams, formulas, and printed text remain clean and legible.
• The book appears complete in the photographed areas, with no loose sections visible.

Issues / Wear

• The cover shows light rubbing, softened corners, and small handling marks.
• The page block has age toning, darkening, and scattered small marks along the outer edges.
• A previous owner’s name is written in pencil near the title page.
• No odor information was provided.

See all photos for detail. Sold as pictured.

Condition Grade Key

• Near Fine: Almost perfect. Very minor signs of age only.
• Very Good: Shows light use. Sound and attractive with minor flaws.
• Good: Complete and intact. Noticeable wear consistent with age and use.
• Fair: Shows significant wear. Readable or usable but clearly used.

Collector's Notes

Bowditch has long served as a working navigation reference for American naval and merchant mariners.

This edition suits a maritime history reader, sailor, navigation student, or collector of U.S. Navy reference books.

This copy retains its dark blue government binding, gold lettering, technical illustrations, and substantial reference format.

It is the sort of book made for a chart table, not a coffee table.

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Disclaimer

All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece—please review them carefully, as they are part of the description. 

Care and Handling:
Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings.