(Shackleton, Ernest Henry, et al.) | A complete set of "The South Polar Times"

(Shackleton, Ernest Henry, et al.)

The South Polar Times. London: Smith, Elder, & Co, 1907-1914; Cambridge: Scott Polar Research Institute in association with Bonham, 2010

4 volumes, 4to (275 x 205 mm). Half-titles, frontispieces, maps, colored and non-colored illustrations, photographs, first two volumes no. 95 of 250, third volume no. 93 of 350, fourth volume no. 90 of 500; frontispiece of volume I near detached, transfer of frontispiece to title-pages, pps. 55-85 loose in volume III. Publisher’s pictorial blue cloth, gilt edges; scratch to spine of volume 1, foot of spine of volume III a little rubbed with some exposure.

First published edition.

A facsimile of original issues of The South Polar Times printed in the Antarctic by the members of Scott's expeditions. A unique publication intended to document their experiences, observations, and creative expressions during the long, isolating winters, it was first produced during Robert Falcon Scott’s Discovery Expedition (1901-1904) and later revived during the Terra Nova Expedition (1910-1913). The journal combined articles, poetry, illustrations, and scientific notes. Edited primarily by expedition members like Edward Wilson, it served both as a creative outlet and a morale booster.

“It has always seemed churlish to list this title under Shackleton, who only edited the first of the three volumes, for the publication arose during Scott’s two expeditions. On the first of these, Shackleton was invalided home before its completion, while he was most decidedly not a member of the second Scott effort. Still, this should not detract from the publication, a lithographed facsimile of typescripts produced by members of Scott’s party during three bleak Antarctic winters spent in his company” (Taurus).

REFERENCES:

Rosove 287, 291; Spence 1094; Taurus Collection 42, 79

PROVENANCE:

William Mackenzie (ownership inscription, 1912, to first two volumes)