by Bernacchi, L. C., O.B.E.

London: Blackie and Sons. 1938, First Edition, First Printing, 8vo – 22.0 cm; [xv],  240pp. biographical Notes, Indexed.  48 full-page black-and-white plates,  2 fold-out maps, cartographic end papers, two full-page maps.  Publisher’s dark-blue cloth covers with bright gilt spine titles. Uncommonly Near Fine condition inside and out. Cover shows no fading or wear, hinges are tight and un-cracked, no foxing, folds, tears, prior ownership initials inside ffe. A clean and complete copy in Near Fine condition with scarce unclipped Very Good dust jacket. Rosove 37.A1

Lieutenant-Commander Louis Bernacchi was a scientist and explorer whose first polar expedition was aboard the Southern Cross in 1898.  He went as a physicist with Robert Falcon Scott’s first Expedition, so he writes with an intimate knowledge both of HMS “Discovery” and of Antarctic conditions.  All of the Discovery’s major exploits  were in the Antarctic. She was built in 1900 in Dundee, Scotland for Scott’s first expedition where she proved her worth by withstanding two extremely severe winters while being held fast in ice.  “Discovery” was also used in 1929 with the British-Australian-New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition under the leadership of Sir Douglas Mawson.

This is a very informative and well-written book offering first person insights not only regarding exploits of the famous HMS “Discovery”, but also regarding Antarctic conditions during two significant expeditions, ship construction and insights into Scott’s character and events of his first expedition.

$350.00 -