"A masterpiece in the literature of exploration."
SCOTT, Captain Robert F. The Voyage of the 'Discovery'. London: Smith, Elder, & Co., 15 Waterloo Place. 1905.
Two volumes, 8vo. Original blue cloth, medallions blocked in gilt to upper covers, lettered in gilt to spines, top edges gilt, remainder uncut; pp. xx, 556; xii, 508; photogravure frontispiece to each volume, 13 colour plates, numerous black and white plates from photographs including 5 folding, 2 single-page maps, 1 double-page map, 2 large folding maps in pockets at rear of each volume, printed extra slip tipped in on front fly-leaf of volume one; binding a little marked, light offsetting from endpapers to initial and final pages, as well as the maps in rear pockets; mid-century bookplates; a very decent set of a scarce title.
First edition, first issue, Rosove's 'a' variant, with Smith, Elder slip pasted inside front cover of volume one. Scott's 'fine narrative was recognized from its first moment of publication as a masterpiece in the literature of exploration […] No prior Antarctic narrative had put forth in such minute and fascinating detail every facet of an expedition's planning, execution, and results. The character of the Antarctic is revealed in exquisite, beautiful, and even rapturous detail as never before. Antarctic narratives were always expected to record events, but Scott, in a great leap forward, recorded thoughts revealing a great deal about his philosophy -- his deep if not brooding sense of responsibility, his loyalty to tradition, his sense of justice, and his commitment to science and discovery. Scott gave detailed descriptions of the geography of Cape Adare, the Victoria coast, newly seen recesses of McMurdo Sound, and the Barrier; light, optical illusions, weather phenomena, and aurorae; the day-to-day life on ship and on sledging journeys; a full accounting of food, equipment, clothing, and transport; hardships including frostbite, blizzards, sunburn, and snowblindness; and other interesting topics. All the writing had the stamp of his character. Hartley Ferrar and Edward Wilson wrote appendices on geology, and mammals and birds, respectively. The book is profusely and beautifully illustrated with photographs, mostly taken by Reginald Skelton and Ernest Shackleton, with watercolours by Wilson' (Rosove pp. 341-342). Rosove states that 3,000 sets are 'said to have been printed' and considers the work 'scarce'.
Books on Ice 6.6; Conrad p. 121; Rosove 286.A1.a; Spence 1051; Taurus 41.
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