With Axe and Rope in the New Zealand Alps (SIGNED First Edition)

Signed by author on half-title. Includes original letter from Mannering to his friend and mountaineering partner Marmaduke Dixon, dated September 27, 1911.

Marmaduke Dixon was a notable New Zealand mountaineer active in the 1890s, particularly known for his ascents of Aorangi/Mt. Cook. He, along with author Guy Mannering, achieved fame through their various attempts to summit Aorangi. Including one unsuccessful attempt in 1894 with Tom Fyfe and the Ross brothers, falling short due to a violent storm.

This work contains Mannering's account of five seasons worth of climbing efforts in the New Zealand Alps, including five attempts (eventually a success) to ascent Aorangi. The accounts appeared periodically in serialised form in the "Weekly Press", however in a somewhat differing written form. Mannering was the co-founder of the New Zealand Alpine Club with A.P. Harper.

First Edition. London: Longmans, Green, & Co., 1891. Royal 8vo. Original burgundy publisher's cloth. Pages: vii, [iv], 139, 24 pages of advertisements. Coloured folding map at rear. 17 plates throughout.

Bound in original burgundy publisher's cloth. Cover and spine lettered in gilt. Illustration of axe and rope stamped in gilt to cover. Cover margins ruled in blind. All edges uncut. Very good. Spine faded, part of upper front cover mildly faded. Gilt remains bright. Some rubbing to edges and corners. Markings to covers, particularly lower front cover. Contents in excellent condition. Some mild spotting here and there. Folding map in fine condition, seams free of tearing and colours true.

Provenance: From the library of Warwick H. Williams.

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