[SCOTT (Capt. Robert Falcon).]
Captain Scott's Trip to the South Pole, British Antarctic Expedition.
EARLY NEWS FROM SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION
Extremely rare. Returning Antarctic explorers invariably ended up on the lecture circuit as a way of either repaying debts or raising much needed income. This piece is particularly interesting as it not only pre-dates the awful conclusion of Scott’s expedition, but even Ponting’s own return from the Antarctic. He didn’t leave the Antarctic until February, 1912.
One can only imagine the excitement and anticipation of the public on seeing Ponting’s spectacular images. Not only would they have been amazed by the beauty of the photographs, but surely filled with optimism at the prospect of Scott and his men being the first to reach the South Pole.
Indeed, just five days before the date of this performance, Tuesday 9 January, 1912, Scott’s Polar Party separated from the accompanying crew members and the five of them headed to the South Pole. The death of the entire Polar Party was one of the great tragedies of the Heroic Age. This broadside is a poignant reminder of the public’s hope and fascination with the expedition.
Ephemeral material such as this is extremely rare, this example is not located on OCLC.
