Books

the Story of Shackleton's last Expedition 1914-1917. First edition, first impression. Large folding coloured map & numerous illustrations. Tall 8vo. Fine, bright original pictorial blue cloth, blocked in silver, minor edgewear, else a near fine copy. Internally browned, as usual, with a little foxing and discolouration to some plates. Ownership inscription to ffep. Small closed tears to map stub. With the errata slip. xxii, 376pp. London, William Heinemann, A bright, desirable copy. The most inspiring voyage of the Heroic period of Antarctic exploration, Shackleton's party had hoped to cross the continent via the South Pole. They ran into problems from the outset which culminated in their being trapped and then crushed in the ice. Not only did the party endure months in the ice, but also an open boat voyage to safety. Shackleton's incredible leadership ensured the crew survived. Due to paper shortages at the end of the First World War, the first impression was printed on inferior paper stock which invariably brown with age. A second impression on better paper was produced the following month. Rosove 308. A1; Spence, 1107.