The Northwest Passage (First English Edition)

A rare first edition of Amundsen's recounting of the first successful traversal from Norway to Alaska.

2 volumes. First English edition. London: Archibald Constable and Company Limited, 1908. Royal 8vo. Rebound Blue-Green Cloth Hardcover. Pages: vol.1: xiii, 336; vol.2: ix, 398. 139 illustrations and 3 maps through both volumes.

Rebound in lovely blue-green cloth retaining spine titling and cover images, both stamped in gilt. Collection notes on FFEP in pencil near top edge. Very Good. Original titling retained on rebound covers. Stamped in gilt. Gilding along top edge. Contents of first volume in excellent condition. Second volume has discolouration at the top corner of front 15 or so pages, otherwise excellent condition.

Book originally published in German in 1907, this is the first publication in English. 

Amundsen was a Norwegian explorer who led the first successful expedition to cross the Northwest passage in 1906, as well as the first expedition to the South Pole in 1911, beating out Scott's attempt by mere weeks. 

This book contains his recounting of Amundsen's traversal of the "Northwest Passage" aboard the Gjøa from Norway to Alaska. The expedition was a pivotal moment in Arctic exploration history. Amundsen and his small crew of six men sailed through the passage that had eluded explorers for centuries, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans via the Arctic archipelago north of Canada.

Provenance: From the library of Warwick H. Williams.

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