FIRST EDITION, LIMITED EDITION (see footnote), 3 volumes, 4to (275 x 205mm.), frontispieces, numerous maps, coloured and plain illustrations, full-page and in the text, photographs, original dark blue ribbed cloth, coloured illustration mounted on each front cover, gilt edges, pale blue printed dust-jackets, slipcase, prospectus loosely laid in, some chips and minor repairs to jackets, vol.3 jacket faded (as in the few known copies - it was printed seven years after the first volume and on a different paper stock)

Franklin Brooke-Hitching, pencil initials

Rosove 287, 291; Spence 1094; Taurus Collection 42, 79

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

“It has always seemed churlish to list this title under Shackleton, who only edited the first of the three volumes, for the publication arose during Scott’s two expeditions. On the first of these, Shackleton was invalided home before its completion, while he was most decidedly not a member of the second Scott effort. Still, this should not detract from the publication, a lithographed facsimile of typescripts produced by members of Scott’s party during three bleak Antarctic winters spent in his company” (Taurus). Scott gave the following remark in a description of the publications: "Once or twice lately we have discussed the possibility of these volumes being interesting to a larger public, though there was no such idea in anyone's mind at the start... On the one hand, we have some reading matter and many delightful sketches that would be appreciated all; on the other, it has to be remembered that the humour and many of the references are local and would convey little or nothing to the uniformed reader, however much they may appeal to us "who are in the know."" (Rosove).

Volumes 1 and 2 are limited to 250 copies (this being number 20, printed in 1907); volume 3 is number 156 of a limited edition of 350 copies, printed in 1914.