First on the Antarctic Continent. Being an Account of the British Antarctic Expedition 1898-1900
London: George Newnes, Limited, 1901. First Edition. Black and white photographic portraits, illustrations, and maps--some folding. Hardcover. Octavo. xvi, 333 pages.
Borchgrevink organized and commanded a private expedition to Antarctica in 1898-1900, after becoming fascinated with the region on a whaling expedition in 1893. The Southern Cross Expedition was the first to use sled dogs in Antarctica, achieved a new "Farthest South" record, and was the first to make a landing on the Great Ice Barrier. This expedition was also the first to overwinter on the Antarctic mainland.
Amazingly, and despite being known as the 'British Antarctic Expedition of 1898–1900', this effort was privately funded and organized--albeit in England and Australia. It was the first venture by the British in the 'Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration' but its private sponsorship infuriated the Royal Geographical Society, who were trying to mount a large national expedition at the same time but were beaten to the punch by this expedition.
Borchgrevink and his expedition provided inspiration to later explorers such as Scott, Amundsen, and Shackleton.
A lovely copy of this important account.
Bound in dark blue cloth over boards with spine and upper board titled in gilt, illustration stamped in gilt on spine, illustration stamped in gilt and silver foil on upper board, dark blue/black coated endpapers, top edge gilt. A few minor rubs to extremities, shallow bumps at spine ends. Hinges sound. A fine copy.
Item #2159
Price: $1,000