[SCOTT, ROBERT FALCON (1868-1912)]. Scott's Last Expedition. Vol. I. Being the Journals of Captain R. F. Scott, R.N., C.V.O. Vol. II. Being the Reports of the Journeys & the Scientific Work Undertaken by Dr. E. A. Wilson and the Surviving Members of the Expedition. Arranged by Leonard Huxley, With a Preface by Sir Clements R. Markham. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1913.
FIRST EDITION, FIRST IMPRESSION, complete in two volumes, cloth-bound, hardcover, thick quarto (25cm x 17cm), pp. [xxvi], 633; [xiv], 534. English text. Bound in publisher's original dark blue combed cloth, gilt lettering and bands to spines and front covers, top page edges gilt, other edges uncut, initial and terminal blanks plus half-titles present, photogravure frontispieces, 6 other photogravures from original sketches by Dr E. A. Wilson, 18 coloured plates, 16 from drawings by Wilson, and numerous plates from photographs taken by Herbert G. Ponting and other members of the expedition, 11 folding panoramas, 8 folding maps, title pages printed in red and black, appendixes to rear of both volumes, index in double columns to rear of vol. II. Condition: NEAR FINE. Collated complete. Bindings secure and square. Covers remarkably clean and well preserved. Some light scattered foxing mostly to vol. II. Previous owner bookplates to front pastedowns and endpapers. A handsome set.
Notes: An unusually well-preserved set of the first edition, first impression, of "undoubtedly the most widely known of all Antarctic expeditions and publications", illustrated throughout from "the unrivalled photography of Herbert Ponting" (Taurus). As remarked by Rosove, "Scott's eloquent prose propelled him into the realm of greatness despite his flaws. One does not have to wonder why it has gone through so many editions and printings: few stories of exploration touch the soul so deeply."
Bibliographic references: Books on Ice, 6.10; Howgego, III, S13; Rosove 290; Spence 1056; Taurus 77.
