Publisher: Seafarer Books, Limited Edition of 1000, £29.95
Publication Date: 2007
En route to the Mediterranean we passed Gang Warily moored to a bank in mid-France and then several seasons later we sailed past Gang Warily in the bay of Naples, just as the painting on page 170 shows. So reading "After you, Mr Lear" brought back memories of the route south and exploring Italy, though we were not obviously driven by the same concerns as the author.
From the outset one is aware of his mission — "to undertake a voyage to rediscover the ways of Edward Lear, artist, author, through his paintings, diaries and letters". Most of the voyage is by sea (from Cowes to Salerno, via inland France), the last part involved with land travel (The Kingdom of Naples), but the book is not primarily written for yachtsmen giving nautical information, of moorings, ports and anchorages. The limited extracts from Gang Warily's log, clearly identified by a red dot, are included only to indicate location and progress.
The book chronicles the author's success in using Gang Warily to approach the places associated with Lear - commenting that "the approach from seaward on the deck of a small boat is often not that different from the view enjoyed a hundred or more years ago." We are part of the crew on a boat casting its net for any evidence of a Lear connection and then, allowing us, with the Drummonds, to examine and record the details.
It is lavishly illustrated with watercolours, lithographs and ink and wash sketches by Edward Lear and his contemporaries, many of the originals remaining in private collections. Modern photographs are included for comparison. There is an extensive set of Appendices, Notes and Biblography concerning Edward Lear.
The public knows Edward Lear for his nonsense rhymes. It is also obvious that he was an artist of considerable talent.
A book to take time over and a treasure for one's bookshelf. - DH