[OCEANIA]. Pacific Islands. Volume I [-IV]. London, Naval In - Lot 121

[OCEANIA]. Pacific Islands. Volume I [-IV]. London, Naval Intelligence Selection, 1945. 4 volumes in-8 (216 x 140 mm) of XV, 599 pp, 43 plates, 1 large folding map at the end for volume I; XVI, 739 pp, 32 plates for volume II; XVII, 741 pp, 40 plates for volume III; XVI, 526 pp, 45 plates, 1 large folding map for volume IV. Blue percale, boards decorated with the title, smooth spine (publisher's binding). First edition published for the use of the secret service of the Navy during the Second World War. This is a massive and comprehensive compilation covering all parts of the Pacific and its islands in great detail, very well illustrated with photos and drawings, including geography, topography, peoples, natural history, resources, administration, climate, etc. Volume I has about 100 pages of Pacific history and a bibliography up to World War II. A superb reference with a great reputation for accuracy and fairness. The back of each title is stamped "this volume was produced and printed for official purposes during the 1939/45 war". Each volume is dedicated to a region : I : General Survey. II : Eastern Pacific. III : Western Pacific (Tonga to Solomon Islands). IV : Western Pacific (New Guinea and Islands Northward). Spines sunned.