SHACKLETON (Sir Ernest).
South
OWNED BY A WOULD-BE MEMBER OF THE CREW
A poignant copy of this classic in Antarctic literature, presented to Frederick M. Davis who was scheduled to accompany the expedition as biologist only to be called up for service in the First World War instead:
“With Mother’s love to remind you of the adventure you would have experienced had war with Germany not been declared, and you had been enabled to take charge of the Biological section, as had been arranged for you to do! March 1920.”
The most inspiring voyage of the Heroic period of Antarctic exploration, Shackleton’s party had hoped to cross the continent via the South Pole. They ran into problems from the outset which culminated in their being trapped and then crushed in the ice. Not only did the party endure months in the ice, but also an open boat voyage to safety. Shackleton’s incredible leadership ensured the crew survived.
Due to paper shortages at the end of the First World War, the first impression was printed on inferior paper stock which invariably brown with age. A second impression on better paper was produced the following month.
Rosove 308. A1; Spence, 1107.
