THE MAP AND COMPASS
Captain John Noel
SIMPKIN MARSHALL LTD, London, c. 1940
An original WW2 map and Compass manual by the celebrated Everest mountaineer Captain John Noel. Undated, but published c.1940 (there is an advert for one of Noel's other books on the rear endpaper with a quote dated October 1940). The book covers the British Army standard issue compasses and other navigation instruments in use from before WW1 to the 1930s. The Verners Compass, Steward patent Liquid Compass, Mirror Clinometer, and Steward Aero Hypsometer (a wrist altimeter used by the RFC) are among the many instruments described. Their use is discussed and they are illustrated in the book. All aspects of compass use and map reading are covered in detail. Fully illustrated with more than 50 drawings and diagrams.
Noel was best known for his film of the 1924 Mount Everest expedition. A professional soldier whose regiment spent summers near the Himalayas, Noel went on to serve in WW1 before joining the 1922 Everest expedition as its official photographer and filmmaker. In 1924 Noel joined George Mallory on his ill-fated Everest expedition. Noel himself reached the North Col and used a specially adapted camera to film the final summit attempt. A note from George Mallory to Noel was the last contact anyone had with Mallory before his body was discovered high on the mountain in 1999. John Noel was also an expert marksman who wrote books on revolver and automatic pistol shooting.
Condition:
In good condition. The card cover is in good condition, with general signs of wear and use. The binding and hinges are good and secure. The text and illustrations are in good condition.
Published: c.1940
Red card cover, black titling
With over 50 illustrations, diagrams & tables
Dimensions: 105mm x 165mm
Pages: 114
