THE NORTH POLE (First Edition)

RARE FIRST EDITION. Includes multiple pieces of relevant ephemera.

First edition. London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1910. 4to. Original blue publisher's cloth. Pages: xii, 326, 116 illustrations and photographs, fold-out map of arctic circle in rear.

Stamped in white and gilt. Plate of gold coin on cover. Art of polar bear in blocked in white on rear. Art of polar bear head on spine. Upper edge gilt "G&N Ingleton" Ex-Libris plate on FBEP. "W. Williams" pencilled on FFEP at upper edge. Good. Some chipping on spine edges. Cover boards bumped at corners. Age toning and foxing throughout contents and on edges. Some plates have mild toning, though contents clear and details preserved. Rear fold-out map has some mild foxing and some fold seams beginning to tear, otherwise in good condition.

Peary's 1910 account of his Arctic expeditions, culminating in his claimed discovery of the North Pole on April 6, 1909. The book details his final expedition, describing the gruelling journey across the Arctic ice, the challenges of navigation in extreme conditions, and the moment he believed he reached 90 degrees north latitude.

Peary's claim has been the subject of significant controversy. His contemporary Frederick Cook also claimed to have reached the North Pole in 1908, leading to a bitter dispute. Modern analysis of Peary's records and navigation methods has raised questions about whether he actually reached the precise geographic North Pole, with some scholars suggesting he may have fallen short by several miles due to the limitations of early 20th-century navigation techniques and the challenging conditions.

The book remains an important historical document of polar exploration, offering insight into the extraordinary physical and psychological demands of Arctic travel during the heroic age of exploration. It also reflects the attitudes and perspectives of its era, including Peary's relationship with indigenous peoples and his approach to claiming territorial discoveries.

Provenance: From the library of Warwick H. Williams.

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