This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/12/2023
HAMRE, Ivar. The Japanese Polar Expedition 1911-1912 [in: The Geographical Journal, on pp. 411-423, Vol. LXXXII No. 5, November 1933]. London: The Royal Geographical Society, 1933.
8vo (248 x 159 mm). 4 illustrations from photographs, map in the text. Original printed blue wrappers.
This second published article in English, appearing 20 years after the first (see Ross 3.8), is very well-written and informative. This important article served for many years as the principal source of information on the Japanese Antarctic Expedition for English-only readers. “As an Antarctic venture, the Shirase expedition should be judged, not on the shortage of 10 degrees from its original goal, but in light of the fact that this was a totally new departure in Japanese exploration based on no previous experience, which in polar regions is perhaps more important than anywhere else; in the light of this fact, the Japanese venture of 1911-1912 fully deserves its place, up till now left rather blank, in Antarctic history” (The Geographical Journal). The fact that this 1933 article was the primary source of information about Lt. Nobu Shirase and the Japanese Antarctic Expedition proved to be the spark that ignited Chet Ross to research and discover more about this overlooked expedition during the heroic era of exploration of Antarctica. A FINE COPY. Ross 3.15 (“Scarce”).