FIRST EDITION OF SHORES OF THE POLAR SEA, WITH 16 HANDSOME CHROMO-LITHOGRAPHIC PLATES AFTER DRAWINGS BY EDWARD L. MOSS

MOSS, Edward L. Shores of the Polar Sea. A Narrative of the Arctic Expedition of 1875-6. London: Marcus Ward, 1878. Folio (14 by 19-1/2 inches), original black- and gilt-stamped blue cloth rebacked with original spine laid down, all edges gilt. $7800.

First edition, with 16 handsome mounted chromo-lithographic plates and numerous engravings after illustrations made on the spot by Edward L. Moss, and a map of the expedition route, in beautiful publisher's cloth.

"Moss was a naval surgeon aboard Nares' flagship, Alert, but also served as artist for the expedition, producing this sumptuous volume two years after the expedition returned. Although his Preface disclaims a narrative intent for the book and places his emphasis on pictorial efforts, the book still provides a substantial and engaging account of the Nares expedition (1875-76). He is a quiet observer, noticing the literacy of young Greenlanders, the details of shipboard rituals, the 'disappointingly limited' open seas within the ice, 'the complicated hieroglyphic savouring of Freemasonry.' He only balks at discussion of scurvy, the curse of the expedition, as 'a subject which it would be altogether improper to enter upon here,' though he does compare the situation toward the end of the expedition to the probable demise of Sir John Franklin's men. He himself died at sea a few years after this publication appeared" (Stam & Stam 4.7). Fitzgerald 489. Library stamp on title page.

Faint scattered foxing and soiling to text and plates, only light wear and soiling to original cloth. An exceptional copy, nicer than usually found.