The Fifth Thule Expedition, 10 volumes in 35 parts published in 27 volumes. Published by members of the expedition. A Complete Set of the Fifth Thule Expedition’s scientific research on the Northern Eskimo cultures.

By Rasmussen, Knud, et. al.

Copenhagen: Glydendalske Boghandel, Nordisk Forlag, 1927-1952. Report of the Fifth Thule Expedition 1921-24. The Danish Expedition to Arctic North America in Charge of Knud Rasmussen, Ph. D, Ten Volumes Complete. 27 individual octavo volumes uniformly bound in original publisher’s printed wrappers. Several hundred black-and-white photographic plates, illustrations, full-page maps and fold-outs. Contributing author Kaj Birket-Smith has inscribed three of his works. Many volumes with pages uncut. All but three volumes with the attractive gift bookplate from Ripley P. Bullen to the Ford Library mounted to the inside front wrapper and all volumes. All taped-on spine labels have been professionally removed. There are no other internal markings or stamps on any volumes – all volumes internally clean and in Very Good+ to Near Fine condition with occasional normal bends and chipping to the original publisher’s wrappers. An additional copy of The Caribou Eskimo, Volume V, Part 1 in Near Fine condition is included with this set. The original copy is signed and inscribed by the author, but its cover and spine condition are only in good condition. Complete sets of this very important research work are rarely offered. Rare. All reports are written in English.

The Fifth Thule Expedition, also known as The Danish Ethnographical Expedition to Arctic North America, 1921-1924 led by Knud Rasmussen, consisted of five Danish scientist and Eskimo assistants. The narrative of this expedition is entitled “Across Arctic America” by Knud Rasmussen, 1925. The principle objective of the expedition was to investigate extinct and living cultures in northern Canada and Alaska both for intrinsic interest and for data on the origin and migrations of Eskimos. In addition to this were studies in cartography, geography, geology, meteorology, botany, zoology, and for establishing extensive ethnographical collections. At the conclusion of the expedition, these collections contained over 20,000 items of which 15,000 were ethnographical covering the whole of the country inhabited by Eskimo between Baffin Island and the Yukon Delta. These collections were stored in depots at various places and brought home by the Hudson’s Bay Company’s vessels. The expedition spanned nearly four years and covered over 32,000 kilometers of travel by dog sled throughout the North American Arctic. This expedition, one of seven Arctic expeditions commanded by Rasmussen, should be ranked among one of the most successful, injury free and great polar expeditions of all times. Provenance: Dr. Clark Wissler (1870-1947, American anthropologist and eugenicist; presentation inscription from the author on 2 volumes) – James A. Ford (1911-1968, American archaeologist known for his work on Native American mound builders; signatures on 2 volumes) – The James A. Ford Library of Anthropology, Florida State Museum (gift bookplates variously from Ripley P. Bullen or Ethel C. Ford) – Collection of Dr. Martin L. Greene.

This set of publications is arguably the definitive study of Eskimo cultures of North American and would serve as a cornerstone to any serious collection related to the North American Eskimo and the North Polar Regions. Shipping weight is approximately 45 pounds, and this set requires 16” (40.5 cm) of horizontal shelf space. A complete and partially unopened set in original wrappers of the first edition of the scientific reports from Rasmussen and Freuchen’s legendary three year expedition, with presentation inscriptions from the author on two vols. Published in English, the work is a landmark study of Inuit culture. Rasmussen was part Inuit, and is known today as the “Father of Inuitology” for his contributions to the field. Complete sets of this work are rare at auction, with only four copies recorded in the last twenty years. Arctic Bib. 17665, plus separate Arctic Bib. listings under each author. Shipping weight is approximately 45 pounds, so shipping charges will be above normal. This set requires 16” (40.5 cm) of horizontal shelf space.

–V.1. In seven parts. Report Of The Expedition, Topography, Geology

–V.2. In three parts. Botany And Zoology

–V.3. In four parts. Linguistics And Anthropology

–V.4. In two parts. Archaeology Of The Central Eskimos

–V.5. The Caribou Eskimos: Material & Social Life and Their Cultural Position

–V.6. In three parts. Eskimos And Indian Ethnology

–V.7. In two parts. Intellectual Culture Of The Hudson Bay Eskimos

–V.8. The Netsilik Eskimos : Social Life And Spiritual Culture

–V.9. Intellectual Culture Of The Copper Eskimos

–V.10. In three parts. Eskimo Archaeology And Ethnology

$4800.00 -