Antarctic Days. Sketches of the Homely Side of Polar Life by Two of Shackleton's Men.
London: Andrew Melrose, 1913. Deluxe Limited edition. Hardcover. Signed on the half-title by E. H. Shackleton, James Murray & George Marston. One of the most desirable Antarctic books, limited to 280 copies, of which this is Number 24.
Shackleton writes in the preface of the book that this is "the first time an unofficial, and therefore more human document, is presented to the public" of the expedition in the Nimrod. Murray "is a scientific man and is capable of counting the minute hairs on the leg of a spider, and yet with equal facility can see the broad lines of life. The other (Marston) is not a scientific man, but, as an artist, depicts what he sees with the same faithfulness as the man who glues his eye to the microscope." The tales & pictures of everyday life are charming.
4to, (xiv), 200 pp (last blank), tipped-in color frontispiece & 3 plates & 30 pp b&w illustrations. Original blue cloth, gilt title & pictorial inlay at the front cover. The top and bottom of spine have been strengthened, affecting the publisher's name. Spine sunned. Spence # 830. Rosove 236.A1.b, Taurus 61. Good + condition. Item #23193
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