Captain James Clark Ross - A Voyage of Discovery and Research in the Southern and Antarctic Regions, during the Years 1839-43 - 1847

One of the most important book of Polar exploration....... " A Voyage of Discovery and Research in the Southern and Antarctic Regions, during the Years 1839-43." First edition of the author's only published work from a celebrated, 30-year career of polar exploration. "Ross's narrative is a cornerstone of the Antarctic literature and a monument to one of mankind's greatest expeditions of geographical and scientific exploration" (Rosove). Sir James Clark Ross (1800-1862) departed on 5 October 1839 in the specially adapted naval bomb vessels HMS Erebus and Terror. He captained Erebus, while command of Terror was given to Captain Francis Crozier, a veteran of four polar voyages. Crozier was to be lost, along with the two ships, on Franklin's 1845 North West Passage expedition. The ships discovered Victoria Land, McMurdo Sound, Mount Erebus, the Ross Ice Barrier, and numerous other features. "Although he did not reach the south magnetic pole, much important magnetic observation was carried out and gradually published by Sabine over the next twenty-five years" (ODNB). The expedition also visited the Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Island, Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, Campbell Island, and the Falklands. Ross was responsible for the most extensive mapping of the continental coastline to date. He was awarded the Founder's Medal of the Royal Geographical Society, the Gold Medal of the Royal Geographical Society of Paris, and a knighthood. Moreover, the Ross Sea was named after him. "Once this account was published, no one could doubt there was a great southern continent of immense proportions to be explored" (Taurus).
Books in fair to good condition, Externally wear to leather around edges and corners with some small losses, spine lightly sunned, shelfwear. Inside text very clean, stains around plates on margins, overall maps in good to very good condition for age-see photos. Plates and woodcuts collated complete, light repair frontis vol I on lower margin-see photos. Kensington library stamps on back of plates- not affecting text or images or maps-and at the end volume I,NO other library signs. Hinges reinforced on endpapers and occasionally inside but binding and pages strong and secure. Large folding map on vol I with repair-see photo.
Very few copies available worldwide!!!! Perfect Christmas gift!!!!