3 volumes, 4to. Half-titles, titles to vols. I and II in sepia and black. 4 double-page plates, 6 etched plates by George Marston, and 18 mounted plates (including 16 in color after Marston), 1 panorama and 3 folding lithographic maps in pocket to rear of vol. II, numerous illustrations. (Some pale spotting to first and last few leaves.) Vols. I and II in original vellum, upper covers stamped with penguin motif, spines lettered in gilt, top edges gilt (some light soiling, hinges to vol. II just starting); Antarctic Book in original vellum-backed boards, spine gilt-lettered (some minor chipping). 

 

FIRST EDITION, LIMITED EDITION, number 97 of 300 copies, the corrected (second) state of the Antarctic Book SIGNED BY 16 MEMBERS OF THE PARTY. "The most luxurious publication ever to have appeared during the 'heroic age' of Antarctic exploration" (Taurus). 

 

On his return from the 1901-1904 British National Antarctic Expedition with Scott, Shackleton decided to mount his own. His now legendary recruiting announcement read: "Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success." The party wintered at Cape Royds on Ross Island, where they made the first ascent of the Mount Erebus and completed the printing of Aurora Australis. In the Spring, the party attempted to reach the South Pole; although Shackleton's route from Hut Point up the Beardmore Glacier did not result in achieving the Pole, his party came within 97 miles. Renard 1444; Rosove 305.A2; Spence 1096; Taurus 57.