Exploration

Antarctica – Reginald Ford

An unusual facsimile presentation of one of the rarest heroic era publications – the tiny book “Antarctica” which was originally published in New Zealand in 1906.

A boxed set of items by the Erskine Press issued in 2015 comprising solid black box with a front label copy of the front cover repeated .. inside two postcards – Discovery in Winter Quarters from a painting by A.E. (Uncle Bill) Wilson and A new and accurate map of the islands of the Antarctic etc by Talland Power for the Erskine Press; a stout copy of a broadsheet advertising a lecture “Farthest South” by Mr C Reginald Ford with various positive opinions and press remarks. Also, a 12 page, card covered potted biography of Charles Reginald Ford by Crispin de Boos. And, the said facsimile with linen textured card cover, 32 pages numerous images – a faithful facsimile including the odd light stain from the original.

Ford was a steward on the Discovery Expedition and was the first person to beak his leg on the Antarctic when he was skiing. He was so well regarded that on return he acted as Scott’s secretary during his extensive leaders lecture tour.

Try to find an original if you can – the next best thing is this unusual collection from the Polar mad Erskine Press .

$85.00

Updating cart…

Lord Howe Island – Its Discovery and Early Associations 1788 to 1888 – Harold Rabone

Published Sydney in 1972. This little card cover, 54 pages, illustrated, maps and nice images from photographs is a gem for any Norfolk Island devotee.

Every time I look at images of Lord Howe I just want to go and live there … probably don’t qualify. The early history is interesting and we find that Ball’s Pyramid, perhaps the most striking rock in the World … (up there with Old Man Of Hoy) was spotted by Captain Ball .. there you go.

At the risk of being too flippant we reference early maritime explorers, whalers, Pitcairn people bring disease, the Thetis Scientists and the visit of HMS Pearl etc

Lord Howe History a very honed effort by the knowledgeable Rabone

$25.00

Updating cart…

The Principall Navigations Voiages & Discoveries of the English Nation – Richard Hakluyt.

One of the most important of the many worthwhile Hakluyt Society publications – this one the work of effectively the “founder” or at least founding inspiration. A facsimile with embellishments of the famous 16thC work

Published by Cambridge University Press for the Society in 1965. Extra series number XXIX. Largish quarto, two volumes comprising fifty plus pages of introductions regarding the character of the work, medieval source, unpublished work and near the end of that a wonderful check-list of surviving copies – amazing how many of which have made there way to the USA – lucky them. With their original dust jackets – a very good set. Heavy, not really and overseas purchase option on their own.

The balance of the volumes constitutes 836 pages, plus a very useful modern index. The index is a real gem as Hakluyt’s work at first unwieldly opens up when you know where to look. Hakluyt also organised his work into three Parts – First South and Southeast; Second North and Northeast and the final Third Part West, Southwest and Northwest – so that helps.

Hakluyt a monumental work of seafaring history – how on earth did he do it?

$180.00

Updating cart…

Encyclopedia of the Antarctic – Edited Beau Riffenburgh- 2 Volumes

Published by Routledge in 2006 this two-volume set is regarded as the font of all things Antarctica.

A substantial effort the number of distinguished contributors runs to over a hundred.

Two quarto volumes, 1,272 pages heavily illustrated with all sorts, high technical level with many maps, charts, explanatory diagrams etc. Very good condition. Weighs in at circa 3.6kgs so not really suitable for Overseas postage.

The elements relating to the History of Exploration and History of Science are understandably our favourites. Other broader topics include … Atmosphere; Birds; Conservation; Geography; Glaciology; Technology; Oceanography; Physics and astronomy etc.

It is all here in the Encyclopedia of the Antarctic – more than a winter’s reading

$480.00

Updating cart…

The Antarctic Diary of Victor Campbell – “The Wicked Mate” – Edited King

Victor Campbell was part of Robert Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition. He led the Northern Party, six men who explored the coast of King Edward VII Land. They spent ten months at Cape Adare and then moved to Inexpressible Island, described as a stormy and desolate place (an understatement). They were marooned here over the winter and had to hole up in a man made ice cave. When the weather eased a little in October they made there way back over 230 miles of sea ice.

Campbell’s papers and diary were acquired by the University of Newfoundland. This made their publication for the first time possible. Edited by King who was librarian and the Scott Polar Institute, illustrated with Campbell’s sketches and numerous photographs, many of which not published before.

Published by the brilliant Erskine Press, part of Bluntisham Books in 2001. Large squarish format octavo, 192 pages, very good near fine condition.

Victor Campbell’s Antarctic Diaries – The Northern Party

$80.00

Updating cart…

Proud Intrepid Heart – Leichhardt’s First Attempt to the Swan River 1846-1847 – Dan Sprod – Signed, Limited Numbered Edition

Published by Blubber Press, Hobart in 1989. Quarto, 334 pages, well illustrated and printed on quality paper (Teton Warm White) by Griffin Press. A very good if not fine copy. Limited signed edition number 169 of 600.

This is Liechhardt’s second expedition after the successful mammoth exploration from the Darling Downs to Port Essington. This, an even more adventurous plan, was a failure and later members of his team were to write negatively about Leichhardt’s leadership.

This book contains his journals, published for the first time and presented so well by Dan Sprod. Drawing also on other unpublished accounts he attempts to set the record straight.

Leichhardt’s second … the real story … put so well

$60.00

Updating cart…

Antarctica – Reginald Ford

Lord Howe Island – Its Discovery and Early Associations 1788 to 1888 – Harold Rabone

The Principall Navigations Voiages & Discoveries of the English Nation – Richard Hakluyt.

Encyclopedia of the Antarctic – Edited Beau Riffenburgh- 2 Volumes

The Antarctic Diary of Victor Campbell – “The Wicked Mate” – Edited King

Proud Intrepid Heart – Leichhardt’s First Attempt to the Swan River 1846-1847 – Dan Sprod – Signed, Limited Numbered Edition

Product Categories