First edition. 8vo. Original blue cloth, with the RGS crest and lettering in gilt on the spine. Decorative rules stamped in blind on the covers. Numerous tables and charts throughout, as well as 37 illustrations and diagrams in the text. Three folding maps housed in the pocket to the rear. A fine copy, strikingly bright and crisp with just a couple if faint marks to the rear panel. Internally fresh with perfect hinges. An exceptionally copy.

The Antarctic Manual was conceived by Sir Clements Markham as a text book for the benefit members of of Scott's Discovery expedition to the Antarctic in 1901, prior to departure. It's aim was to gather together the most important information about the Antarctic known before the expedition. It contains thirty articles, and many figures and maps documenting previous explorations in and towards Antarctica, including previously unpublished papers by Balleny and Biscoe, who made important discoveries in the early nineteenth century; sections from the United States Exploring Expedition (Wilkes), and the first English translation of the French expedition under Dumont D'Urville. It also contains a valuable bibliography of works and papers on the Antarctic at the time.
Scott's expedition discovered much practical scientific and geographical information about the Antarctic land mass, hitherto unknown, so this work, containing only what was known before that provides a valuable insight into the approach taken on that expedition and also context to the slew of advances throughout the heroic age.
Although published for the members of the expedition, it was also issued to fellows of the Royal Geographical Society, meaning that publication numbers were likely to be small and it is seldom encountered now and almost never in such sparkling condition.

Stock ID: 45567