Signed, Dated and Inscribed by Scott

With two poetic verses penned in the rear of Volume II

By Scott, Captain Robert Falcon C.V.O., R. N.

London: Smith Elder & Co 12 October 1905, 1st UK Edition, 1st Impression. 8vo – 24.6cm. Volume I pp. [I-vii], viii-xx, 556, photogravure frontispiece, title printed in red and black. 3 maps (1 double-page, 1 full-page, 1 folding in end-pocket), 7 color plates, 2 photographic panoramic views on 1 double-page plate, 119 mostly photographic illustrations on 84 plates, 1 full-page plan in text, 16 text vignettes; Volume II pp. [i-v], vi-xii, 508, photogravure portrait frontispiece, 2 maps (1 full-page, 1 folding in end pocket) 5 color plates, 8 panoramic views on 4 double-page plates, 124 mostly photographic illustration on 82 plates, 13pp., index; With 260 full-page and smaller illustrations by Dr. E.A. Wilson and other members of the expedition, photogravure frontispieces, 12 colored plates in facsimile from Dr. Wilson’s sketches, panoramas and maps. In two volumes and collated complete. Publisher’s ribbed dark blue cloth, covers with raised bright gilt medallions, spines lettered in gilt. A Near Fine set with prior bookplate inside front covers. Also with original publisher’s notice bound inside front cover of Volume I. At some point these volumes may have had minor exterior professional restoration – more like a light refreshment. Very clean internally with tight hinges. Volume I is signed and inscribed on the Half Title Page: “To Lady Brownrigg with the Author’s compliments, Oct. 12, 1905, Rob. F. Scott”. Very Rare being signed by Scott and with his penned poetic verse.
—Conrad p. 121; Spence 1050, Renard 1372, Rosove 286.A1a (with errata).

“A classic of expedition literature as Scott mixes geographical, scientific and metaphysical observations with the sure hand of an Edwardian gentleman.” —Conrad 121

Additionally, two lengthily inscriptions/poems have been penned on the rear end-page of Volume II. The second eight-line verse appears to be penned by Scott due to similarities in the script style of Scott’s inscription and signature on the half-title page.

The inscriptions are as follows:

The first verse reads:
“There is something greater in great men
than their talents, for the most consummate
talents in themselves will not make a
great man. There is in them besides their
talents, their spirit, their character, that magnetic
fluid, as it were, that enables them to
influence their fellow men, which makes
them a binding and stimulating power…”

The second verse reads:
“Think what a pageant of immortal acts,
Done in the unapproachable face of time.
By the high, transcending human mind….
Think of the soldiers and priests;
Artists, & captains of discovery,
God’s chosen, His adventures esp the heights
of thought & deed – how many of them that led
The forlorn hopes of the world!”…

$14500.00 -