94 - Two marine-themed hardcover reference books. The first is a first American edition of The Natural History of Sharks by Thomas H. Lineaweaver III and Richard H. Backus, published by Lippincott in 1970. The top edge of the text block is marked with a purple ink stamp reading PROPERTY OF U.S. NAVY. The second volume is Treasures of the Armada by Robert Stenuit, published by Dutton in 1973. This work is bound in brown cloth and includes its original pictorial dust jacket showing underwater photography. The half-title page bears a bold signature in blue ink reading Benchley. The book contains 16 pages of color photographs and 32 pages of black-and-white plates, maps, and documents. 8 5/8" x 6 1/4" x 1 1/8" and 8 5/8" x 5 7/8" x 7/8".

Two marine-themed hardcover reference books. The first is a first American edition of The Natural History of Sharks by Thomas H. Lineaweaver III and Richard H. Backus, published by Lippincott in 1970. The top edge of the text block is marked with a purple ink stamp reading PROPERTY OF U.S. NAVY. The second volume is Treasures of the Armada by Robert Stenuit, published by Dutton in 1973. This work is bound in brown cloth and includes its original pictorial dust jacket showing underwater photography. The half-title page bears a bold signature in blue ink reading Benchley. The book contains 16 pages of color photographs and 32 pages of black-and-white plates, maps, and documents. 8 5/8" x 6 1/4" x 1 1/8" and 8 5/8" x 5 7/8" x 7/8". The books behind the books. Peter's working library of marine biology, maritime history, underwater archaeology, exploration and shark science is where The Deep, Beast, Shark Trouble and his National Geographic articles began. He loved these books and read them thoroughly. Provenance: Exhibited in "From the White House to the Deep Ocean: LBJ, Jaws and Conservation, " held at the LBJ Presidential Library, Austin, Texas, from April 19 through October 19, 2025. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation. Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund. CONDITION: The Natural History of Sharks shows fading to the cloth binding, particularly at the spine and edges, with minor shelf wear at the extremities. The text block edge has a legible property stamp. Treasures of the Armada retains its dust jacket which exhibits moderate shelf wear, rubbing, and creasing, specifically along the top and bottom edges and corners. The dust jacket is price-clipped. The spine of the Armada volume shows minor crushing at the head and foot. The internal pages and plates of both volumes appear clean with no major foxing or tears visible. NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Photos are considered part of the condition report. Complete condition information is available by request, please request no later than 24 hours prior to the auction. All lots are offered and sold "as is", and Willow Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated.