Antarctica: A Treatise on the Southern Continent.

HAYES, J. Gordon.

$600.00

Item Number: 111268

London: The Richards Press, 1928.

First edition of Hayes’ seminal work on Antarctica. Quarto, original cloth, illustrated with plates after photographs, charts and maps, many folding. From the library of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the pastedown of each volume. American businessman and record-setting aviator Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo nonstop around the world in 2002 in his 10-story high balloon Spirit of Freedom. He completed the 2002 trip in 13 days, 8 hours, and 33 minutes and set records for both the Longest Distance Flown Solo in a Balloon and Fastest Balloon Flight Around the World. Fosset was also one of sailing’s most prolific distance record holders set the Absolute World Speed Record for airships with a Zeppelin NT in 2004. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career including aviation’s highest award, the Gold Medal of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), which he was awarded in 2002. Fossett disappeared on September 3, 2007 while flying a light aircraft over the Great Basin Desert, between Nevada and California. In near fine condition.

Hayes states in the preface to this, his seminal work on Antarctica, "The purpose of this book is to treat Antarctica as fully as possible; to set forth what is known about it, to delimit what is unknown, and to consider how its undiscovered lands may become known. It is intended to treat the subject somewhat scientifically, without undue technicality, the standpoint being that of an ordinary educated reader rather than that of a specialist." The work covers in great depth and detail the history of exploration of the region from the mid-1800's to 1916, with great emphasis given to the "Discovery" expedition, Shackleton's first expedition, Amundsen, Scott's last journey, Mawson's expedition, and Shackleton's second voyage.