SVERDRUP, Otto (1854-1930). New Land: Four Years in the Arctic Regions. London, et al: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1904.
2 volumes, royal 8vo. Frontispiece, 4 folding maps on 2 sheets in rear cover pocket of vol. II, numerous other plates, maps, and illustrations in the text. Original pictorial blue cloth stamped in gilt (spines sunned, else fine). Provenance: J. Wilfred White (early ownership signature); contemporary signature below crossed out.
FIRST ENGLISH EDITION of the second Fram expedition, 1898-1902. Sverdrup served under Nansen both in Greenland and on the “Farthest North” expedition. After the success of the latter, Nansen allowed Sverdrup to captain the Fram on a four-year journey through the Western Arctic. Norway’s attempts to claim these lands accelerated Canadian efforts to explore and inhabit the islands. “More new land was charted by Sverdrup than during any other polar expedition in history” (Otto Sverdrup Centennial Expedition website).
AN UNUSUALLY BRIGHT COPY with all silver-gilt intact. Arctic Bib. 17322.