Peary, R. E. U.S.N. (Robert) (1856-1920)

Nearest the Pole [1907 First Edition] [95 Photographs] [Both Maps Present]

New York: Doubleday, Page, 1907. First Edition, First Printing.
POLAR EXPLORATION HIGH-SPOT
The essential primary account of Peary’s penultimate Arctic expedition, documenting the 1905–1906 voyage of the S.S. Roosevelt to the frozen fringes of Ellesmere Island. 

This narrative captures the grueling push toward 87° 6' N—a claimed world record at the time—and serves as the logistical blueprint for his successful 1909 North Pole attempt. Richly illustrated with 95 of Peary’s own photographs and a vibrant color frontispiece by Albert Operti, this volume remains a cornerstone of Arctic literature, detailing the "Peary System" of relying on Inuit expertise and specialized sledge travel.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Visuals: 95 photographs by Peary; color frontispiece by Albert Operti; two large fold-out maps at the rear.
+++ Cartography: Both large-scale fold-out maps are present and intact—a critical factor for this title.
+++ Binding: Original green cloth with raised decoration; top edge gilt; 10.25 inches tall.
+++ Provenance: Contemporary gift inscription dated 1890 (likely 1907/1908 based on publication date).
+++ Specs: 411 pages including index; Royal Octavo.

CONDITION: Very Good. The bindings are tight and square. The text block is clean with light, even toning consistent with age. The original green cloth shows moderate shelf handling wear and minor rubbing to the extremities; the raised decorative stamping remains distinct. Both fold-out maps are remarkably well-preserved. Top edge gilt is slightly dulled.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE –
Published just one year before Peary’s final attempt on the Pole, Nearest the Pole is a study in grit and controversy. While Peary and Matthew Henson claimed a new "Farthest North" record during this expedition, their figures were fiercely debated by contemporary geographers.

The Geographical Journal (Sept. 1907) praised the expedition’s survival tactics, specifically Peary’s integration of Inuit sledging techniques, which allowed the team to survive the blizzards that halted them at 84° 30' N. This volume preserves the technical and human drama of the "Roosevelt" years, including the struggles with food-borne epidemics that nearly derailed the mission.

SUBJECTS: Arctic Exploration, Polar History, S.S. Roosevelt, Robert Peary, Inuit Culture, Cartography, Travel & Exploration, Memoir, Maritime History.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCE: AB 13226; Stam 5.10.

Item #21645

Price: $225.00