Scott's Last Expedition.

presentation copy to one of the survivors of Scott's final expedition

Signed presentation copy from Kathleen Scott (1878-1947), Scott's widow, to Edward William Nelson (1883–1923), one of the biologists of the Terra Nova. They were united in their survival, in different ways, of Scott's fateful final expedition. The inscription reads 'E. W. Nelson / from Kathleen Scott / 1913'. Later ownership signature of 'J. R. Norman', probably John Roxborough Norman (1898-1944), the noted ichthyologist.

Nelson was one of two biologists in the scientific team of the British Antarctic Expedition, the other being Denis Gascoigne Lillie (1884-1963). After taking part in the journey to lay One Ton Depot with Scott he proceeded to take numerous oceanographical observations including tidal recordings at Cape Evans. He later served in the Gallipoli campaign and became the Scientific Superintendent of the Fisheries Board for Scotland.

A handsome set of the first edition of the most widely known of all Antarctic publications. Readers, having absorbed Scott's account of the expedition in the first volume, would have discovered in the second volume a host of first-hand accounts deserving of more weight today: Cherry-Garrard's account of the Winter Journey, Victor Campbell's narrative of the Northern Party, Griffith Taylor on the Western Journeys, Raymond Priestley on the ascent of Erebus, preliminary scientific reports from Edward Wilson's staff and throughout the unrivalled photography of Herbert Ponting' (Taurus).

First edition; 2 vols, 8vo (24 x 18 cm); signed presentation inscription to front free endpaper of vol 1, later ownership inscriptions to both front free endpapers, profusely illustrated with photographs, maps, plans, sketches, etc., including 18 in colour, original advertisement slip loosely inserted, crease to final page of vol 1 appendix; publisher's original blue cloth, gilt lettering to spines and upper boards, spines a touch faded with a little rubbing to extremities, a very good set; xxvi, 633; xvi, 534 pp.

Books on Ice, 6.10; Rosove 290.A1; Taurus 77.