Shackleton, Ernest

FIRST EDITION, NUMBER 57 OF A LIMITED EDITION OF 300 COPIES, THE ANTARCTIC BOOK SIGNED BY 15 MEMBERS OF THE SHORE PARTY AND MACINTOSH, with the second corrected state of the Antarctic Book, 3 volumes, 4to (267 x 215mm.), 3 folding maps and 1 panorama in the rear cover pocket of volume 2, 214 plates, errata slip in volume 2, The Antarctic Book with 4 coloured portraits, 6 engraved sketches, volumes 1 and 2 in original vellum with gilt penguin motifs, volume 3 in original half vellum, top edges gilt, all housed within custom clamshell box, minor spotting, boards slightly bowed and spotted, The Antarctic Book lightly rubbed

Rosove 305.A2; Spence 1096; Taurus Collection 57

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A FINE COPY of "the most luxurious publication ever to have appeared during the 'heroic age' of Antarctic exploration" (Taurus).

"The shore party consisted of fifteen men, including Shackleton. Professor T.W. Edgeworth David and Douglas Mawson had embarked at Sydney. Their sledge journey to the south magnetic pole was one of the three foremost achievements of this expedition. The other two achievements were, first, the ascent and survey of Mount Erebus (12,448 feet), the active volcano on Ross Island and, second, the southern sledge journey, which reached within 100 miles of the south pole" (ODNB).