Arctic Explorations in the Years 1853, '54, '55.

First edition. Two volumes. Frontispieces, Vignette title pages, four maps including two fold outs, eighteen full page engravings, and numerous vignettes throughout. 8vo. [2, publisher’s advertisements], 464, [2, publisher’s advertisements]; 467, [3, blank] pp. Original black cloth, spines lettered in gilt, and boards stamped in blind, and volume two with central gilt stamp. Philadelphia, Childs and Peterson.

The second expedition funded by Grinnell of which this book is the account, was headed by Elisha Kent Kane. Although they failed to determine the fate of Sir John Franklin and his crew, the expedition did set a record for reaching further north than had previously been achieved. The accomplishments and perils faced during this expedition earned Kane the title of “America’s first Arctic hero” (ANB).  

Ownership inscription to title page, and book plate to front paste-down of Fitzwilliam Sargent, John Singer Sargent’s father. Ex-library stamps, from the Nice Library. 

A good set, extremities of volume one rubbed and frayed, extensive repair work to volume two, re-cornered and re-backed, with some loss to the original spine. Some foxing and offsetting to the text.   

Stock Code: 243153