THE SOUTH POLE; An Account of the Norwegian Antarctic Expedition in the 'Fram,' 1910-1912, translated from the Norwegian by A. G. Chater. 2 Volume Edition

Lee Keedick,, New York, 1913. First Edition. Cloth. Very Good/No Dust Jacket. 1st US Edition; Vol I, xxxv, 392 pages, 59 plates including frontispiece, 1 coloured folding map at end of volume. Vol II, x, 449 pages, 46 plates including frontispiece, 16 charts in text. Folding diagram of the Fram not inserted by publishers, as in most copies of the American issue (the page where it should be is uncut) .The coloured folding map in Volume 1 is present but charts to face page 120 and at the end of the Volume 2 are not present. BUT there is NO evidence of them ever having been there. However we have photocopied and laid in both maps and the folding diagram of the "Fram" from the UK 1st Edition so completing this iconic work. Original blue cloth boards with gilt titles to front cover and spine. Top edges gilt. No dust jacket. Newspaper article about Amundsen lecture at Carnegie Hall, NY., October 16, 1925, tipped into rear of front cover, shelf ware, spines softening, sunned and slightly stained, corners bumped, age toning and some very minor spotting but overall a very nice clean set. Norwegian Captain Roald Amundsen had initially intended make an expedition to the Arctic, but changed his plans at the last moment and announced he would try for the South Pole instead. His explanation to the public was that if he could beat the English and Japanese expeditions to the Pole then he could secure success and funds for his extensive Arctic expedition, and also snatch the prize for his own country. So , unbeknownst to Scott, Amundsen sailed southward in the Fram to the Bay of Whales that would afford his expedition both the shortest route to the Pole and a route that would not overlap with either the Japanese or the English expeditions. From start to finish, Amundsens expedition ran like clockwork. He carefully planned every moment of the trip, using his experience in the Arctic and his extensive knowledge of dog-teams to help him through. His team was entirely Norwegian, accustomed to a harsh and cold climate, and were excellent ski-runners. In addition, Amundsen traveled light; he brought five men and fifty dogs on his expedition so that the latter could eventually serve as food for the former. Part of what doomed Scotts party was the fact that he favored men and ponies over dogs, bringing twelve men, eight ponies, and only twenty-six dogs. Amundsens party remained in excellent health and always had enough to eat from their plentiful provisions at their well-stocked supply depots. They also supplemented their food stores with a great seal hunt just before the winter, after which 120,000 lb. of fresh seal meat were added to their stores, which helped protect them against scurvy. Unlike Scotts party, Amundsens party were also fortunate enough to have favorable weather conditions on their side, so that they were able to reach the Pole using their supply depots and dog sleds in just 99 days, a distance of 1860 miles, covering an astonishing average of 19 miles a day over frozen and difficult ground. Their journey was truly an extraordinary accomplishment, and Amundsens account of it is no less riveting. Lee Keedick, 1913. Conrad, 156. Taurus 71. Rosove 9. This is the first USA edition. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 5 kilogram. Category: Arctic & Antarctic; 1900-1920; Exploration. Pictures of this item not already displayed here available upon request. Inventory No: 301. . This is a SET of books, therefore heavier than a standard volume, and will involve extra shipping charges to some countries.