Scott, Captain Robert F., C.V.O., R.N.: THE VOYAGE OF THE 'DISCOVERY': In Two volumes. , London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1905.

1st Edition; 2 vols,Volume 1: xx, 556pp, 93 plate leaves [inc photogravure frontipiece from a drawing by Dr.E.A. Wilson, 7 colour from watercolor paintings by Wilson, 1 double-page with 2 panoramas, 84 single-page with 105 photographs and 14 illustrations by Wilson], 16 illustrations in the text [15 byWilson], and 3 maps [ 1 double-page, 1 folding in rear pocket], extra slip tipped in on ffep, tissue paper guard over frontipiece. Volume 2: xii, 508pp, 93 plate leaves [including photogravure frontispiece from a photograph, 6 colour from watercolor paintings by Wilson, 4 double-page, 8 panoramas (4 from drawings by Wilson), 82 single-page with 120 photographs and 4 illustrations by Wilson], plus 2 maps, [1 folding in rear pocket], tissue paper guard over frontipiece. Top edges gilt, others uncut. Some foxing, as usual, generally confined to margins, more prominent at beginning and end of vols. Publisher's cloth, blue, gilt medallions stamped in high relief to upper boards, gilt lettering to spines. Rare folding maps inserted into pocket in pastedown at end of each volume. Provides a detailed and fascinating account of Antarctic exploration in the early twentieth century. Starting with a history of early discoveries in the region, he goes on to record the difficulties of organizing such an expedition and the challenges and dangers involved in the exploration of such a wild and untamed continent. Scott's account reflects the sense of wonder and amazement that he felt on discovering the strange and exotic fauna of the region, the problems caused by the unpredictable and often harsh weather, the comradeship of the men forced to co-exist in cramped quarters and the hardships and privations faced by a crew who had no help nearby in times of distress and only the provisions they could carry to see them through the trip. The expedition was organized by the Royal Geographic Society and the Royal Society and its aim was the scientific exploration of South Victoria Land and the ice barrier, discovered by Sir James Ross, and the interior of the Antarctic continent. Scott made sledge journeys inland with Shackleton and Wilson. He made the first long journey towards the interior of Antarctica, and in addition to surveying the coast of South Victoria Land and taking soundings of the Ross Sea, important scientific discoveries were made in the fields of zoology, magnetism, and meteorology. Taurus 41; Spence 1051; Conrad p121. Covers rubbed, stained, bumped and worn. Binding beginning to split, damp stain on volume 2 frontispiece, but overall Very Good. (Book ref. 1103)  £550.00

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