Exploration

The Royal Geographical Society Journal – May 1932 – Polar, Mountaineering and Franklin

A complete copy of the Journal in original blue wrappers.

Lead articles include the British Arctic Air Expedition under Hubert Watkins (author of some interesting works on Northern Queensland); The expedition in the Tien-Shan by Schomberg and further evidence of John Franklin’s retreat by William Gibson. Good photographic images as often and two nice maps of the of Greenland up to the 68th parallel and localised map of the Base Fjord. Nice condition all round.

Climbing in the Tien-Shan and Arctic Air Expedition keep exploration alive in 1932

$90.00

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Early Tasmania – James Backhouse Walker F.R.G.S.

Published in Tasmania by the Government Printer 1973.

A reprint of paper published in the late 19th century by Tasmanian historian supreme James Backhouse Walker. The French, the “founding”, Collins expedition, Port Dalrymple, then back to Tasman, Norfolk Islanders, aborigines and the cartography of Australia as a whole.

James Backhouse Walker new his stuff

$30.00

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The Friendly Arctic – Vilhjalmur Stefansson – c1927

The first UK edition c1927 of this great book by Stefansson. Imperial octavo 784 pages after preliminaries with two very good folding maps in rear pocket. A substantial volume. Very good condition albeit foxing to endpapers up to the title otherwise clean and throughout. Magnificently illustrated with 68 plates and a further 7 maps, some folding, in the body of the work.

Forward by Gilbert Grosvenor and introduction by Sir Robert Bowden setting out the origin and organisation of the Canadian Arctic Expedition of 1913-18. Records of incredible tributes of Stefansson from Greely and the last public appearance of Admiral Peary who died shortly afterwards.

Stefansson most comprehensive in his written account with many images and maps

$120.00

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Arctic Manual – Vilhjalmur Stefansson – 1944

Published by Macmillan, New York a first edition 1944. Thick octavo 556 pages after preliminaries with its dust jacket getting very scarce. Very good condition.

A special book prepared by the highly qualified Stefansson under the direction of the United Sates Army.

Prepared to provide realistic advice on how to survive when stranded in the Arctic. The book is introduced by a historical background relating to early voyagers and the seeking of the elusive North West passage. He discusses in depth the topography of the land and the nature of the seas and ice. The climate (obviously) and the physical effects of cold. Winds, gales and special aviation problems. Wildlife, pests and parasites. Shelter and the many advantages of snow houses over tents (Voyager has memorised the methods of making good snow houses as a precaution). And survival, clothing, food, health and first aid. Hunting and fishing various methods and transportation in this difficult environment.

Really the only Arctic Manual by Stefansson – You never know!

$90.00

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North West to Fortune (The Discovery of the North West Passage) – Stefansson – First UK Edition 1960

Prolific explorer and writer Vilhjalmur Stefansson’s last book on the history of solving the North West passage. A first British edition published by Allen & Unwin in 1960 … Stefansson died in 1962 at 83 years of age. Octavo, 356 pages after preliminaries, end paper maps, very good condition.

Given his exploration record and the many years spent within the Arctic Circle who better to write this book. Starting the primary objectives of Columbus and Cabot to find route west to the Far East. The first recorded note of the concept is that of Robert Thorne, merchant of Bristol who produced two papers preserved by Hackluyt one addressed to Henry VIII … “I know it to be my bounden duty to manifest this secret to your Grace, which hitherto, I suppose, has been hid”. The proof was more difficult and many lives were lost.

Stefansson’s record goes well beyond the broader list of adventurers Cook, Franklin, McClure (in search of Franklin) and John Rae and later Amundsen. He covers in detail the efforts of the Fur Traders and finally the epoch-making achievement” of the US submarine, Nautilus.

North West Passage complete by Stefansson

$60.00

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William Bragg – Nobel Laureate – Transactions and Proceedings Royal Society of South Australia Vol XXX – 1906

A good copy in original card cover 373 pages after preliminaries 12 interesting plates with 12 figures in the etc.

Another historically important edition with three papers by William Bragg. First, on the ionisation of various gases by the alpha particles of radium. Secondly, the alpha particles of Uranium and Thorium. And the third, an extension of the work carried out in the first with a plate showing the construction of the ionisation chamber. Bragg also gets involved in reporting the discovery of radium at Moonta Mines.

Also of special interest are two paper by Mawson. Mineralogical notes – fetid feldspar and quartz from Umberatana and atacamite from Bimbowrie. On certain new mineral species associated with carnotite in the radio-active ore body near Olary.

Leading work by Bragg at Adelaide with Mawson

$120.00

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The Royal Geographical Society Journal – May 1932 – Polar, Mountaineering and Franklin

Early Tasmania – James Backhouse Walker F.R.G.S.

The Friendly Arctic – Vilhjalmur Stefansson – c1927

Arctic Manual – Vilhjalmur Stefansson – 1944

North West to Fortune (The Discovery of the North West Passage) – Stefansson – First UK Edition 1960

William Bragg – Nobel Laureate – Transactions and Proceedings Royal Society of South Australia Vol XXX – 1906

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