Books

A superb replica of a memento from the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration to commemorate the centenary of the death of Ernest Shackleton. Limited to 500 copies worldwide. Devised by Ernest Shackleton to sustain his men?s spirits during the winter darkness of 1908, Aurora Australis was the first book ever produced in Antarctica: a beautifully illustrated miscellany of polar life printed inside the British Antarctic Expedition?s cramped hut. To mark the centenary of Shackleton?s death, the Folio Society has created a superb replica, in a limited edition of just 500 hand-numbered copies. Quarter-bound in the smoothest calfskin with beechwood Venesta boards, Aurora Australis is complemented with a commentary by Shackleton expert Jan Piggott. With only around 80 copies made originally, and no other facsimile reproductions in print, this is a rare chance to own one of the greatest mementos from the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. Limited to 500 hand-numbered sets Quarter-bound in?calfskin leather with?beechwood Venesta boards 194 pages printed on Old Mill paper and hand-sewn with green twine Printed throughout to match the original 11 illustrations in total by George Marston 11? x 8? Commentary 16 pages printed letterpress on Munken pure paper Bound in green Tintoretto Ceylon paper blocked in brown foil 10??x?7�? Presentation box Linen-covered clamshell box blocked in brown foil and inset with a calfskin leather label blind-blocked with the ?Printed at the Sign of ?The Penguins?? device 12? x 9? x 2�?.

Aurora Australis was the first book written, printed, illustrated, and bound in the Antarctic during the British Antarctic Expedition of 1907–1909 led by Ernest Shackleton. Printed at the winter quarters of the expedition in 1908 on a small printing press which Shackleton had brought with him, the book was limited to approximately 100 copies. It is a collection of essays, poetry, and illustrations created to give the men of the expedition a creative outlet during the long winter months.