LIFE AND EXPLORATIONS OF FRIDTJOF NANSEN [Blue cloth binding]

J. Arthur Bain

Published by Walter Scott, Ltd., Paternoster Square, London, 1897

About this Item

No date - circa 1897. A new edition revised and considerably enlarged. ***With numerous illustrations, including a map showing 'The "Fram's" Drift and Nansen and Johansen's Sledge Journey' on page 394. ***Very good in dark blue bevelled cloth covered boards, with gilt titles and silver decoration of "'The Fram" sailing ship to the spine, and gilt titles and gilt decorative portrait of Nansen and blind rules to the front board. The boards have a few marks and rubbing commensurate with age and handling [see scans]. Back board slightly curved. Olive green floral front and rear endpapers, with a period prize bookplate on the front pastedown dated 1898. All edges of text-block very lightly foxed, but not affecting interior pages. Spine tight. xix-prelim pages including contents, list of illustrations and introduction by the author. 449 pages plus two-page publisher's adverts to rear. 208 x 150 mm. ***Contents: Introduction; Ch. I: Preterita; II. Science, Sport, and Exploration; III: Personalia; IV: Greenland and its Inhabitants; V. The First Crossing of Greenland; VI: Fru Nansen; VII: Nansen's Home; VIII: The "Fream" [sailing ship]; IX: Arctic Equipment; X: Where an Expedition is Needed; XI: Arctic Sport; XII: How Can the Polar Region Be Crossed?; XIII: Arctic Currents; XIV. Nansen's Arctic Ship; XV: Criticisms of Nansen's Plan; XVI: "We are Thirteen All Told"; XVII: The Departure; XVIII: Three Years' Silence; XIX: The Treasure Islands of the Arctics; XX: Meeting of Nansen and Jackson; XXI: Arctic Exploration Previous to Nansen; XXII: Arctic Exploration Previous to Nansen (continued); XXIII: A Talk With Dr. Nansen; XXIV: Conclusion. ***'The only cure for the Arctic fever is the discovery of the North Pole. If anyone imagines that man is going to abandon this idea, should a few more lives be sacrificed in the pursuit of it, he is greatly mistaken. The operations of Arctic heroes, beginning with Sebastian Cabot and ending with Fridtjof Nansen, have gradually broken down the barriers that have stood for ages between restless man and his ambition. For many years Great Britain has stood foremost in the history of Arctic exploration, but Norway has lately proved a formidable rival in the person of Fridtjof Nansen, whose crossing of the great Greenland plateau in 1888 drew attention for the first time to the fertility of resource possessed by this strong-nerved Scandinavian. ***Like Columbus, Dr. Nansen set off to face tremendous odds armed with but three frail weapons - a little knowledge, a theory, and determination to succeed. Like Columbus, again, Dr. Nansen was able to convince many persons of the soundness of his scientific deductions and of the practicability of his plans.' (Quote from the introduction by J. Arthur Bain). ***Fridtjof Nansen (1861- 1930) the Norwegian explorer, scientist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate led the team that made the first crossing of the Greenland interior in 1888, and won international fame after reaching a record northern latitude of 86 degrees 14 minutes during his North Pole expedition of 1893-96. He retired from exploration after his return to Norway. His method of polar travel and his innovations in equipment and clothing influenced subsequent Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. ***A nicely preserved copy of this magnificent Victorian publication, now over 120 years old. The book is very heavy, being printed on quality art paper, and is often found shaken with loose pages. This copy is nice and tight with no splitting of hinges or loose pages. Uncommon thus. We also have a similar copy in the dark maroon cloth. ***For all our books, postage is charged at cost, allowing for packaging: any shipping rates indicated on ABE are an average only: we will reduce the P & P charge where appropriate - please contact us for postal rates for heavier books and sets etc. Seller Inventory # 7412x

Bibliographic Details

Title: LIFE AND EXPLORATIONS OF FRIDTJOF NANSEN [...

Publisher: Walter Scott, Ltd., Paternoster Square, London

Publication Date: 1897

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good

Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket, as Issued

Edition: New Edition