Borchgrevink was a Norwegian-British explorer who led the pioneering Southern Cross expedition. Per the title of the volume, he claims to have been the first person on the Antarctic continent.

This book provides the commander's viewpoint of this ground-breaking journey. What makes this book particularly significant is that it documents several "firsts" in Antarctic exploration: First successful overwintering on the Antarctic continent (at Cape Adare); first sledge journey on the Ross Ice Shelf; first landing on the Ross Ice Shelf itself.

Borchgrevink's narrative focuses on the leadership challenges, strategic decisions, and overall expedition management, while also including his observations of Antarctic wildlife, geography, and conditions.

First edition. London: George Newnes, Limited, 1901. 8vo. Original dark-blue publisher's cloth. Pages: xvi, 333, [ii], 32 pages of advertisements. 186 illustrations and 3 fold-out maps at rear.

Bound in diagonally-grained blue publisher's cloth. Lettering and ruling on spine and cover in gilt. Illustration on cover blocked in gilt and silver. Top edge gilt, fore edge untrimmed. Good. Albeit for the spine, condition is very good. Considerable wear and flecking along spine. Gilt and silver on cover remains bright, somewhat faded on spine. Internals in excellent condition, very little age toning. Some spotting to preliminaries and throughout.

Provenance: From the library of Warwick H. Williams.

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This book is currently on display in the rare book section of our Paddington store.

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