Diary of the 'Discovery' Expedition & Diary of the 'Terra Nova' Expedition (First editions)

INCLUDES A SEALED PACKAGE WITH 5 REPRODUCTIONS OF WILSON'S ORIGINAL WATERCOLOUR PIECES. 

Edward Wilson is one of the great figures of the heroic age of Antarctic exploration. He was a member, as zoologist and doctor, of both Scott's Antarctic expeditions, on Discovery in 1901-4 and Terra Nova in 1910-13. Sadly, Wilson was one of the members who passed away on the return from the South Pole in early 1912. Scott wrote of him, just before passing himself, "a brave, true man, the best of comrades and the staunchest of friends". These two volumes present Wilson's recounting of the two expeditions. Through both text and art, they portray a vivid image of both the beauty and hardship witnessed constantly in the age of exploration to the south. 

Both volumes feature numerous watercolour illustrations done by the author. Diary of the 'Discovery' Expedition features a foreword by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Both volumes contain W. William's inscription in pencil on FFEP. Near fine. Both volumes in near fine condition. Some bumping to dust jackets at corners. Bindings square and tight. Some minor foxing present on Terra Nova volume near spine foot and along front spine crease. Contents are bright and clean. Only minor markings here and there in both volumes. Author's illustrations are bright and clear.

Diary of the 'Discovery' Expedition to the Antarctic 1901-1904. First edition. London: Blandford Press, 1966. 4to. Original cloth hardcover in original unclipped dust jacket. Pages: frontispiece, 416. 47 watercolour illustrations.

Diary of the 'Terra Nova' Expedition to the Antarctic 1910-1912'. First edition. London: Blandford Press, 1972. 4to. Original cloth hardcover in original unclipped dust jacket. Pages: xxiii, 279. 27 watercolour illustrations.

Provenance: From the library of Warwick H. Williams.

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