The South Polar Times.

SCOTT, Robert Falcon. Edited by Ernest Henry Shackleton.

$20,000.00

Item Number: 95157

London: Smith, Elder, & Co, 1907-1914.

First limited edition of the complete collection of the South Polar Times, a periodical created by Scott’s crew during his two polar expeditions on the ships Discovery and Terra Nova, with a slip signed by Ernest Shackleton and Rudolph Blakenburg Quarto, three volumes, publisher’s gilt decorated cloth, all edges gilt, frontispiece to each volume, elaborately illustrated with engravings after the expedition members’ original drawings, many in color. Volumes I and II are number 177 of only 250 copies, volume III is number 256 of 350 copies. From the Adventure and Exploration collection 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. Fossett 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. Additional bookplates from the libraries of Dr. Edward Bramley and polar scientist Anthony Michaels. In near fine condition. Laid in is an scarce autograph album page boldly signed by Ernest Shackleton and American businessman and former mayor of Philadelphia Rudolph Blakenburg. An exceptional set.

Captain Robert Falcon Scott led two expeditions to the Antarctic: on the ship Discovery from 1901–14 and the Terra Nova from 1910–13. Scott and his men entertained themselves during the long, dark winter months by creating the South Polar times, a monthly magazine typed and illustrated by the expedition members and read aloud to all deck hands. "It was decided that each number should contain, besides the editorial, a summary of the events and meteorological conditions for the past month, certain scientifically instructive articles dealing with our work and our surroundings, and certain others written in a lighter vein. As the scheme developed it was found that other features, such as full-page caricatures, acrostics, and puzzles, could be added; and now each month sees the production of a stout volume which is read with much interest and amusement by everyone. One of the pleasantest points with regard to it is that the men contribute as well as the officers; in fact, some of the best and quite the most amusing articles are written by the occupants of the mess-deck, of whom one or two show extraordinary ability with the pen. But beyond all else the journal owes its excellence to the principal artist, Wilson, who carries out the greater part of the illustration and produces drawings that would be appreciated any where" (Scott, The Voyage of the Discovery, 362).