Description
Octavo, [in two volumes], xxv, [1], 428pp; xii,[2], 444pp, [maps]. Contemporary brown morocco, title in gilt over black morocco on spine, raised bands, gilt bands. Frontispiece portraits with tissue cover in both volumes. Marbled leaf ends. 42 black and white engraved full page plates, 7 full page maps and 2 large folding maps in Volume II. Scarce foldout maps in near fine condition. A beautifully bound copy in find condition.
Comments: Three Years of Arctic Service recounts the story of Adolphus Greely on the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition. His mission to the Arctic was to conduct meteorological observations and collect polar magnetic field data. After supply trips failed to reach the expedition, the crew was forced to retreat south with inadequate supplies. From the crew of 25 explorers, 19 perished due to starvation and disease. The expedition became infamous for the stories of cannibalism that spread in the media. Captain Winfield Scott Schley was able to rescue the remaining crew in 1884.
