The Heart of The Antarctic | 1909, first edition, deluxe issue, hand numbered & limited to only 300 examples.

A very good two-volume set of the first edition of The Heart of The Antarctic by Ernest Shackleton, published in 1909, and bound in the striking original vellum. This first edition, deluxe issue is one of only 300 hand numbered examples, this being number 251. Featured in the pocket at the end of Vol 2 are four excellent folding charts and panoramas detailing the expedition. A rare set, highly sought after.

The Heart of The Antarctic chronicles the 1907-09 Nimrod Expedition, making a remarkable record of the first ascent and survey of Mount Erebus, the crossing of the Trans-Antarctic Mountain Range, and coming within a hundred miles of the South Pole. Described as "the most luxurious publication ever to have appeared during the 'heroic age' of Antarctic exploration" by Taurus, this hand numbered version is limited to 300 copies, this being number 251.

Description and Condition.

First edition, two volumes, 4to. Deluxe issue, number 251 of 300 numbered sets. Publisher's original vellum with covers blocked in gilt and twin penguin device. Minor soiling to the spines and both front and back covers. Vol 1 with soiling to a proportion of the front cover as can be seen in the photos above. Internally relatively fresh. Most pages are remarkably still crisp and white throughout, however to pages 71 and 72 of Vol 1 there is a rather large brown stain effecting the bottom of both pages and then again from pages 87 through to 90. Previous owners name to the FFEP of both vols (E Bottomley). Illustrated throughout with mounted colour plates, photographic plates, dry point etchings, maps, diagrams, etc., including 4 folding charts and panoramas in pocket at end of vol. II. The charts and panoramas are in fine condition.

Published by Ballantyne & Co. Limited for William Heinemann, London, 1909