February 2013 Auction Ends Wednesday, February 6th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/6/2013
August 1822 Volume XVIII edition of the missionary magazine, ''The Missionary Herald'' published by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. This 31pp. issue includes fascinating accounts of the ''Sandwich'' (Hawaiian) Islands in great detail, with one of the earliest accounts of surfing titled ''The surf-board, and manner of its use.'' Reads in part: ''The surf-board, or the instrument used in playing in the surf, is of various dimensions...The islander...rides on the fore front of the surge, with great velocity, as his board darts along swifter than a weaver's shuttle, while the whitening surf foams and roars around his head, till it dies on the beach, and leaves him to return or retire at pleasure...Sometimes the irregularity or violence of the water tears their board from under them...'' Volume measures 5.75'' x 9.5'' in original printed wraps, with some toning and wear throughout, and dog-eared corners to last few leaves. Very good.
One of the First Articles Describing Surfing -- Scarce 1822 Edition of ''The Missionary Herald'' Magazine -- ''...he rides on the fore front of the surge...''
Click above for larger image.