David Spilman Fine Books

Edward Wilson of the Antarctic; Naturalist and Friend [Introduction by Apsley Cherry-Garrard] [A Biography]

Seaver, George

New York: E. P. Dutton and Company Inc., 1937. Near Fine in Good dust-jacket First American Edition, 1st Printing. [8.75x6in]; xxxiv, 301 pp., frontispiece color illustration of Wilson in Antarctica from image, 16 illustrations (all but one from sketches by Wilson), three maps (one folds out), index; Grayish-blue cloth covers with gilt lettering on spine, blind embossed illustration of rising sun over ocean on front, all edges trimmed; Grayish-blue dust jacket with black lettering on front with white bordered black and white illustration of winter travel under the aurora australis, black lettered title in bordered cream field on spine, advertising on back, not priced clipped; Minimal shelf wear to covers, edges and corners, spine slightly darken, some foxing spots and age toning on text block edges, three red ink star stamps and a remove seller label on rear end paper, no other prior owner marks; Some shelf wear to dust jacket with several chips and and closed tears along edges, some rubbing spots and soiling to surfaces, spine darkened. [Rosove 296.B1.a., Conrad p189]. Item #13912

Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912) was one of the notable persons in the heroic age of Antarctic exploration. He was a member of both of Scott’s expeditions to Antarctica on Discovery in 1901-1904 and Terra Nova in 1910- 1913 as a zoologist, chief scientist and doctor. He died with Scott on the return from the South Pole in 1912. Wilson's letters and journals were released by his widow to Seaver. Seaver also had access to an unpublished memoir by Wilson's father.

Much has been written about Wilson. From a the book "Cheltenham in Antarctica; The Life of Edward Wilson" 2000, "... [Edward Wilson] was one of the major influences and personalities of the heroic age of Antarctic exploration and has also been recognised as one of the top ranking ornithologists and naturalists in the United Kingdom during this period. He was also one of the last great scientific expedition artists."

It is evident from other Antarctic accounts that Wilson had a great influence and impact on the members of the expeditions and carried through to his death with Scott on the return journey from the South Pole in 1912.

Price: $125.00