GIBRALTAR.

UK,Qrto HB+dw/dj,1st edn.[Complete number line 1 3 5 7 9 8 6 4 2.] FINE+/FINE.No owner inscrptn and no price-clip to dw/dj - absence of publisher's price.Bright,crisp,clean, glossy laminated,colour pictorial illustrated upper panel with white+gold colour lettering,and modern colour,scenic photographic illustrated rear panel of dw/dj; with negligible shelf-wear and creasing to edges and corners - no major nicks or tears present.An internally,sellotape-repaired tiny closed tear to rear top corner of dw/dj.Top+ fore-edges bright and clean; contents bright,tight,clean - pristine - no dog-ear reading creases to any pages' corner tips,appears unread - apart from my own collation. Publisher's bright,crisp,clean,sharp-cornered,original plain maroon cloth boards with bright,crisp,blocked gilt letters to spine/backstrip,a maroon+white striped headband and immaculate plain white endpapers.UK,Qrto HB+dw/dj,1st edn,vii-ixpp+14-192pp [paginated] includes a foreword by Field Marshal Sir John Chapple [Governor and Commander-in-Chief Gibraltar 1993-95], acknowledgements,12 chapters,12 historical colour illustrations in 1 block,between pp96/7,profuse (100) b/w illustrations and photographs throughout the text and the book,a b/w map plan of Gibraltar,appendices (2),a select bibliography and an index.Plus [unpaginated] half-title with historical b/w illustrated portrait (Sir Joshua Reynold's painting of General George Eliott who commanded the Gibraltar Garrison throughout the Great Siege (1779- 1783),the most important event in Gibraltar's turbulent history) to it's verso,title page,a contents list/table,and a b/w map of Gibraltar and it's neighbours.
From the earliest migrations of pre-historic man to NATO base in the Cold War,Gibraltar has always had a pivotal role in European history.
Occupied by the Moors for seven hundred years,Gibraltar was finally recaptured for Christendom by the Spanish in 1462.Taken in turn by the English and Dutch for the Austrian Hapsburgs and ceded to Britain by the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713,the Rock has remained a continuing source of friction between Britain and Spain.A cornerstone of the British Empire and vital startegic base in WW2,Gibraltar has for centuries been in the forefront of international diplomacy and conflict. Sixteen times it has been besieged - four times it has succumbed to the aggressor.
This history traces the long and stormy story of Gibraltar from the earliest times to its emergence as a self-governing colony in the 20thC.The political and social development of the city is revealed but it is as a military fortress and naval base that Gibraltar will be familiar to most of its visitors.
The history is explained in the context of the many remaining fortifications and buildings which make Gibraltar one of the most important heritage sites in the western Mediterranean, particularly for those interested in military history.
A Visitor's Guide to exploring Gibraltar is also included which,combined with the author's scholarship and comprehensive illustrations,makes this a unique and valuable addition to the literature of this fascinating part of southern Europe.
Please contact seller @ rpaxtonden@blueyonder.co.uk ,because of the value of this item,for correct shipping/P+p quotes - particularly ALL overseas buyers - BEFORE ordering through the order page!
N.B. ALL buyers please note,stocks' actual shipping/P+p costs are adjusted and any difference is refunded,after order's receipt and before the order's despatch,especially if the item(s) are offered either P+p included/FREE.
** N.B. US/Canada customers please be aware: Standard AIRMAIL postage from UK to these destinations can now cost more than the price of the book! If speed is not of the essence,then Economy rate is recommended - at approx. anything from a 1/3rd to 1/2 of the standard US AIR quote/rate - sometimes arriving sooner than the 42 days - but not always. **