[HALL, Charles Francis (1821-1871)]. DAVIS, Charles Henry (1807-1877). Narrative of the North Polar Expedition. U.S. Ship Polaris. Captain Charles Francis Hall Commanding. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1876.
4to. 6 lithographic maps, numerous plates and illustrations. Original gilt-decorated green cloth (some darkening and rubbing to extremities).
FIRST EDITION, WITH A PRESENTATION SLIP FROM ADMIRAL JOHN ROGERS TO BENJAMIN LEIGH SMITH OF THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY, with his countersignature of receipt and original manuscript envelope. Smith (1828-1913) was a notable Arctic explorer who made a handful of expeditions to the North including the 1881-82 expedition to Franz Josef Land which was sent to establish a base camp at the newly constructed area but became stuck in ice on 22 August forcing the crew to abandon ship. In 2017, the sunken Eira was found off the coast of Northbrook Island.
[With:] HALL. Narrative of the Second Arctic Expedition. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1879. 4to. Color-printed folding map mounted on linen (as issued), numerous plates, portraits, and illustrations. Original gilt-decorated brown cloth (wear at extremities). FIRST EDITION.