The worst journey in the world. Antarctic 1910-1913

Cherry-Garrard, Apsley

Published by Constable & Co, London, 1922

About this Item

First edition, 2 volumes, 8vo, pp. lxiv, 300, [4]; viii, 301-585, [1]; complete with 48 plates (6 in color), 5 maps (4 folding), and 10 panoramic views; original holland-backed boards; without the duplicate labels tipped to the front free endpaper of each volume; hinges neatly and imperceptibly strengthened, light soiling to boards and light wear at the extremities; all else generally very good and sound. Contained in a blue morocco-backed clamshell box, with gilt lettered spine. The so-called 'polar' binding preferred by Cherry-Garrard was quickly discovered to be impractical and the book subsequently reissued in cloth. He 'insisted upon the white half-binding, since he wanted his book to look as handsome and 'polar' as possible. Within a few weeks of handling, every copy would have grown so grubby it would have to be recased. Only relatively few copies were bound up" (Taurus) in this manner. First issue of this account of Scott's ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition or The British Antarctic Expedition to the South Pole between the years 1910 and 1913 including an unflinching description of the sufferings and privations endured by its members.One of the classics in Antarctic exploration. More than 15 editions have appeared over the ensuing years. "The best written and most enduring account of exploits in the Antarctic" (Taurus Collection). Cherry-Garrard served as assistant zoologist on the expedition. Dr. Edward Wilson chose Bowers and Cherry-Garrard as his companions for a winter journey in 1911 to Cape Crozier to collect Emperor Penguin eggs. "On their return five weeks later, Scott described their journey as 'the hardest that has ever been made' - a phrase which later suggested to Cherry-Garrard the title of his narrative of the fortunes of the whole expedition: The Worst Journey in the World" (DNB). While at base camp Cherry-Garrard edited the camp newspaper South Polar Times. The following summer he accompanied Scott's polar party as far as the summit of the Beardmore Glacier, helping to establish supply and fuel depots. Scott arrived at the pole only to discover that Amundsen had beaten him there by a month. On the return journey, plagued by blizzards and illness, the sledge party perished near One Ton Depot where their bodies and diaries were found eight months later by a search party that included Cherry-Garrard. Illustrated with sketches made by Edward Wilson, the senior science officer of the expedition, who died returning from the pole with Scott. Also, with photographs by expedition members Debenham and Wright. Rosove 71.A1; Spence 277; Taurus Collection 84.

Seller Inventory # 61046

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The worst journey in the world. Antarctic 1910-1913
• Publisher: Constable & Co, London
• Publication Date: 1922
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Seller catalogs:
  • Travel
  • Exploration
  • Antarctic