William Henry Koebel — All Aboard

London, South American Publications, Ltd. 1923. First edition. Cloth. This vanishingly scarce copy of the first edition, first impression of William Henry Koebel's engaging guide to life on the ships sailing for Latin America, with charming illustrations by H. E. Bateman and others. The first edition, first impression of this special work.  With numerous charming monochrome vignette illustrations by the celebrated cartoonist H. M. Bateman and others accompanying the text. Bearing the bookplate of Nicolas McDowall to the front pastedown. Nicolas McDowall established the Old Stile private press with his wife Frances. Working collaboratively with printmakers and artists, the Old Stile press created beautiful, hand-printed works within idyllic surroundings.  With a page of contemporary publisher's advertisements at the rear of the work. Vanishingly scarce.All Aboard was the final book produced by Koebel, being written and published within the same year of his death in 1923. The work was intended for passengers aboard ships owned by the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company sailing to Latin America. Dubbed "a frivolous book" by Koebel himself, it is a witty ode to the experiences one might have had on these vessels, from marvelling at travelling Italian opera companies, to navigating conversations with the invariably pessimistic "grouser" type. In the original publisher's full cloth binding, Externally, generally very smart barring some minor marks and slight discolouration of the cloth, heaviest to the spine. A touch of rubbing in addition to some bumping to the head and tail of the spine and extremities, where there is fractional splitting of the cloth. Nicolas McDowall bookplate to the front pastedown. Internally, sections of the binding are strained. Pages are a trifle age toned with the odd minor handling mark, however are generally bright and clean given the work's age. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: H. M. Bateman and others. Very Good Indeed .