Beschreibung:

Important association copy of a cornerstone of Antarctic bibliography Shackleton, Scott, Bernacchi, and Cherry-Garrard, 1907-14 SHACKLETON, Ernest H. (1874-1922); SCOTT, Robert Falcon (1868-1912); BERNACCHI, Louis C. (1876-1940); and CHERRY-GARRARD, Apsley (1886-1959), eds. The South Polar Times. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1907-14. A fine set of the cornerstone of Antarctic bibliography, first two volumes with original jackets and an important association copy of the third volume. Volumes 1 and 2, no. 154 from an edition of 350, publish the periodical produced during the winters of 1902 and 1903 by members of Robert Falcon Scott’s 1901-1904 Discovery expedition. Volume 3, also from an edition of 350, publishes those issues created during the tragic Terra Nova expedition of 1910-13, on which the entire five-man polar party led by Scott ultimately perished. The final issue was created by the men overwintering in the Ross Island Hut. This copy of volume three was owned by Oriana Souper Wilson, the wife of naturalist Edward Wilson who froze to death alongside Scott as they struggled to return from the Pole. Rosove 287.A1 & 291.A2a; Spence 1094; Taurus 42 & 49. Three volumes, quarto (280 x 206mm). Half-titles; plates and illustrations, some chromolithographic (occasional very light spotting to first or last few leaves). Publisher's original decorated blue cloth, upper covers with gilt lettering and rope-work surrounding centrally-placed inset pictorial cloth panels, edges gilt; vols 1 and 2 with original dust jackets (head and foot of spine of vol. 1 jacket neatly repaired with six characters supplied in manuscript facsimile). Provenance : vol. 3 only, Oriana Souper Wilson (c.1874-1945, naturalist and wife of expedition member Edward Wilson – thence by descent to her great niece (sold, Christie’s, 25 September 2001, lot 184). [ With :] An unused envelope with logo of the 'Terra Nova R.Y.S./British Antarctic Expedition' on rear flap.