Captain Webb: The Intrepid Champion Channel Swimmer

A facsimile reproduction of the 1875 second edition publication,  56pp stapled booklet in light card covers, some black and white illustrations.  12mo.  Covers are a little worn and rubbed, especially at edges, some slight spotting on verso.  Internally neat, clean, bright and tight. Captain Matthew Webb (1848-1883) was the first person to swim across the English Channel without the use of artificial aids.  He was born in Dawley, Shropshire, developing his swimming skills playing in the River Severn before joining the Royal Navy at the age of 12.  He crossed the Channel at his second attempt, in 1875.  Webb died in 1883, being paralysed by water pressure while attempting to swim down the rapids of Niagara Falls.