MARKHAM, Clements R. The Lands of Silence. A History of Arctic and Antarctic Exploration. Cambridge at the University Press, 1921.
8vo. Original blue cloth, image of sailing ship blocked in gilt to upper cover, lettered in silver to spine, untrimmed; pp. xii, 539; photogravure portrait-frontispiece, black and white plates from illustrations, sketch maps including one double-page; binding darkened on spine with loss of brightness to lettering, marginal tear to frontispiece neatly repaired, a very good tight copy; bookplate Ethel Norah Godrey Pike of Pishiobury House, Sawbridgeworth.
First edition. Markham died in 1916 and the present work was completed from the manuscript by F.H.H. Guillemard. The latter is responsible for the chapters on Amundsen's exploration of the North-West Passage and attainment of the South Pole, and for that on Shackleton's attempt on the South Pole. The bulk of the book is, however, Markham's work, including his concluding chapter on "Remaining Antarctic Work". According to Renard, this copy is one of the earlier issues of the first edition with all edges untrimmed (later issued were slightly smaller in size). 'Markham's active involvement in Polar exploration spanned 60 years (ranging from participant to masterminding Scott's first expedition). Highly acclaimed upon publication, it remains one of the most important contributions on the subject' (Conrad).
Spence 755; Arctic Bibliography 10939; Conrad pp. 117 and 182; Renard 990; Rosove 1203.
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