The Heart of the Antarctic

SHACKLETON, Ernest H. (1874-1922). The Heart of the Antarctic being the story of the British Antarctic Expedition 1907-1909 . London: Ballantyne & Co. Limited for William Heinemann, 1909. The deluxe first edition of Shackleton’s epic account of the voyage of the Nimrod, signed by all the members of the shore party. Limited to 300 copies, the present is no. 51. "The most luxurious publication ever to have appeared during the 'heroic age' of Antarctic exploration" (Taurus). During the Nimrod expedition, Shackleton's team reached the South Magnetic Pole, ascended the volcano of Mount Erebus, printed the first book in Antarctica ( Aurora Australis ), and pushed to within 97 miles of the South Pole. Famous for his strength under pressure and devotion to his team, Shackleton’s recorded comment to his wife on not reaching the South Pole was "I thought, dear, that you would rather have a live ass than a dead lion." Rosove 305.A2; Spence 1096; Taurus 57. Three volumes, quarto (265 x 233mm). Half-titles. 2 mounted frontispieces, plates, a few of which double-page, some mounted including 16 colored after George Marston, some etched; 1 folding panorama and 3 folding lithographic maps printed in three colors in pocket at back of vol. II (the plate "Giant Toadstools" and adjacent text in Supplement lightly spotted and browned). Volumes I and II bound in original vellum with covers blocked in gilt with twin penguin device, the Supplement in original vellum-backed boards, top edges gilt, other uncut (covers of Supplement lightly stained, tiny puncture hole to spine of vol. II, a few light insignificant marks to vellum).

Estimate:$15,000

View all items fromChristie'sorBooks, Maps & Manuscripts