A VOYAGE TOWARDS THE NORTH POLE UNDERTAKEN BY HIS MAJESTY S COMMAND, 1773.

Phipps, Constantine John

Published by J. Nourse, Bookseller to His Majesty, 1773

About this Item

1st Edition; viii, 254 pages. MISSING 13 of the 14 illustrations found on leaf of directions to the binder have been removed. Previous owners signature (Edward Hamilton) on title page. Front cover detached, text block tight. Official account written by Captain Phipps, later Lord Mulgrave. The expedition of the Racehorse and Carcass, undertaken for the purpose of discovering a route to India through the northern polar regions, was blocked by pack ice of Spitsbergen. The valuable appendix gives geographical and meteorological observations, zoological and botanical records, accounts of the distillation of fresh water from the sea, and astronomical observations. The voyage is perhaps best remembered for the presence of young Horatio Nelson, as midshipman aboard the Carcass, and his encounter with a polar bear' (Hill 1351). Phipps's narrative of his voyage was of considerable scientific interest and was the beginning of modern efforts to reach the North Pole. It also made an important addition to the knowledge of the natural productions of Spitsbergen. The first British attempt to reach the North Pole since 1615. Today, the expedition is chiefly remembered because among the midshipmen was one Horatio Nelson and during the voyage he had his famous encounter with the bear, the skin of which young Horatio wished to carry to his father. Nelson was fortunate that Captain Lutwidge saw the danger he was in and scared the animal off by firing one of his cannon. The midshipman received a severe reprimand, and in later years when Nelson had become a celebrated admiral, the story was re-told by his early biographers as an example of his courage displayed at such a tender age. This is the first UK edition. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 2 kilogram. Category: Arctic & Antarctic; Exploration. Pictures of this item not already displayed here available upon request. Inventory No: 562. This book is heavy, and may involve extra shipping charges to some countries. Seller Inventory # 562

Bibliographic Details

Title: A VOYAGE TOWARDS THE NORTH POLE UNDERTAKEN ...

Publisher: J. Nourse, Bookseller to His Majesty

Publication Date: 1773

Binding: Calf

Condition: Fair

Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket

Edition: First Edition.