Item 5 is Edward Brenton's The Naval History of Great Britain, from the Year MDCCLXXXIII to MDCCCXXXVI. This is why you should never use Roman numerals in book titles. Brenton is attempting to tell us about British naval history from 1783-1836, but who would know? This is an updated version of this standard British reference work published in MDCCCXXXVII. $500.

Item 87 is a book about another sort of horrific transportation, Journal of a Voyage with Coolie Emigrants, from Calcutta to Trinidad, by Captain and Mrs. Swinton (no date but 1859). These Indian laborers were transported under terrible conditions. Despite Captain Swinton's apparent humanitarian efforts, 120 of the 324 workers died in passage, though there was no bad weather or epidemic disease. The pamphlet ends with an impassioned plea by Jane Swinton, who likened the Coolie system to slavery. $450.

Item 10 is The Life of Admiral Lord Nelson, by James Stanier Clarke and John M'Arthur, published in 1809. Nelson is perhaps England's greatest naval hero. He is best remembered for his one-sided victory against Napoleon at the Battle of Trafalgar, a battle in which Nelson lost his life. This two-volume set, which includes many of Nelson's personal letters and papers, comes in at a whopping 21 pounds. Here is a chance to get the better of the bookseller who charges shipping by the book, not the weight. $3,500.

Ten Pound Island Book Company may be reached at 978-283-5299 or tenpound@tenpound.com. Their website is www.tenpound.com.

You will find many of Ten Pound Island's books listed in "Books For Sale" on this site. Click here.