Kathleen's Voyage: Illustrated Log of a Circumnavigation

'Kathleen's Voyage' by Jack Earl, Sydney, Weldon Publishing, 1991, volume I, the log book of Kathleen Gillett, written and illustrated by Jack Earl during his 1947-48 voyage around the world, limited edition 51/200, half-calf, gilt title on front cover and spine, 59 x 41 cm. Provenance: Jean-Louis Boglio maritime books, acquired from the above 2004. Other Notes: Jack Earl (1908-1994) was a marine artist who founded the Sydney-Hobart yacht race when he planned a cruise between the cities departing boxing day 1945 in the gaff-rigged ketch named after Earl's wife, Kathleen Gillett. In June 1947 Earl set sail from Sydney harbour along with four shipmates on what would become an 18-month long journey to circumnavigate the globe. This voyage was only the second successful circumnavigation of the world by an Australian crew. Twelve log books chart their voyage complete with illustrations by Earl recording the events and emotions the Captain experienced as he sailed. Combined with witty character sketches, photographs and printed souvenirs they were shared each time the yacht docked on each leg of the journey. Eagerly awaited back home, the lovingly crafted logs enabled family and friends to journey along with Earl and by the time of his return in December 1948, thousands crowded the shores to welcome the ship home, the original log books of the Kathleen Gillett were acquired by the state library of NSW from the Earl family in 2018 and have been digitised, the Kathleen Gillett was bought by the Norwegian government in 1987 and presented as a Bicentennial gift to the people of Australia. It now floats on open display at the Australian National maritime Museum in Darling harbour.