David Spilman Fine Books

An Account of the Arctic Regions with a History and Description of the Northern Whale-Fishery; [Two Volumes]

Scoresby, W. Jun. F. R. S. E.

Edinburgh: Archibald Constable and Co., 1820. Very Good. First Edition. [8.5x5.25in], Vol. I - xx, 551 pp., appendix [1] 2-50, 78-82 pp., fold out frontispiece illustration; Vol. II - viii, 574 pp., appendix, index, [2] advertisements, fold out frontispiece illustration (plate XVII), plates II to XXII of illustrations and maps; Contemporary three-quarter red leather with marbled paper covers, gilt lettering and designs on spine, embossed design along edges of leather, all text edges trimmed with marbled patterns, stiff end marbled end papers; Shelf wear to covers, edges and corners, rubbing to all edges, corners and joints, front cover on Volume II reattached, light foxing throughout, prior trimming of frontispieces and other pages (likely to remove prior owners), fold out plates with several closed tears and chips, prior owners bookplate, pencil and ink signatures and pencil notes in margin, lacking plate I map. [Lande Supplement S2036, Sabin 78167, Howgego II S14, Hill 1543 (note)] DK. Item #14261

William Scoresby Jr. (1789–1857) was an English Arctic explorer, scientist, and clergyman whose contributions significantly advanced the understanding of polar regions and oceanography. He began his maritime career at an early age, joining his father on whaling voyages to the Arctic. He quickly became an expert navigator and whaler, commanding his own ship in his early twenties. Scoresby’s curiosity and intellect led him to conduct scientific observations during his expeditions. He meticulously recorded data on the Arctic climate, sea ice, and animal life, contributing valuable insights to the scientific community. In the latter part of his life, Scoresby was ordained as an Anglican minister, and continued to pursue scientific interests, focusing on magnetism and meteorology. He was also a member of the Royal Society (F. R. S. London) and the Royal Society of Edinburgh (F.R.S.E.)

This book is an early foundational work in polar science. From Sabin, “The first volume … relates to the natural history of Spitzbergen and the Greenland sea; the second is devoted to the whale-fishery as conducted in the seas of Greenland and Davis’s Strait.” Scoresby meticulously documented the physical geography, climate, and natural phenomena of the Arctic regions. The book presents detailed observations on sea ice, weather patterns, animal species, and ocean currents. Scoresby's narrative combines empirical research with vivid descriptions, making the Arctic environment accessible to both the scientific community and general readers of his time. He discusses the challenges of navigation among ice floes, the adaptations of marine mammals, and the vital importance of whaling to British industry. This book is recognized as a foundational text in polar studies and the history of Arctic exploration, valued for its accuracy, depth, and pioneering spirit.

There have been a number of prior owners of this book. The bookplate of Henry D. Gilpin (1801-1860) on Volume I front paste down is distinctive with the translated motto of Sincere in word and deed. Gilpin was an attorney and statesman that served as the 14th U. S. Attorney General in the President Van Buren administration (1837-1841). And older ink signature of George Young and later of D. L. Ramsdale, Whitby UK, with others that have been trimmed out. And a 1961 wedding present for Hubert David and Charles Goodwin-Cameron. A well-traveled book.

Price: $1,800.00