FIRST (ONLY) EDITION, 4to (280 x 207mm.), 19 pp. text, map, 8 half-tone photographic illustrations (6 half-page, one full-page, one double-page), 7 after Herbert Ponting, one after H. Rogers, a 1919 newspaper cutting loosely inserted, original printed grey-green wrappers, upper cover with title and hand-coloured Union Jack, minor creasing to wrappers

OCLC 888022; see also: Jones, M.K. Spitsbergen Literature Lobby (Nordlit: Journal of Literature and Culture, 32, 2014: 51-62)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

VERY RARE. Only one copy is recorded in COPAC (at the London School of Economics), and we have been unable to trace a copy in auction records.

In July 1918 the Northern Exploration Company sought to explore actual and potential mineral interests in Spitsbergen (Svalbard). It formed a crew, led by Antarctic veterans: Sir Ernest Shackleton, with Frank Wild second in command, Surgeon McIlroy as medical officer, and Hebert Ponting as expedition photographer. The main aims were to 'Protect and extend the Company's claims; form a permanent camp upon their mineral properties; put an end to German menace; stop any infringements of Company's rights;  and make preparations for mining on a large scale.' The expedition was deemed a success by the Company, despite Shackleton being recalled by the War Office when he reached Tromsö in North Norway, and two of the ships in the Ella's convoy being sunk by enemy action. 

'The Spitsbergen (Svalbard) Question became an international political issue regarding the terra nullius status of the Arctic region in the li🔥ght of growing commercial enterprise undertaken from 1898 onwards' (Jones). It was finally resolved on 8 February 1920 when Norway was granted sov♊ereignty, when the Spitsbergen Treaty was signed in Paris.