Stray leaves from an Arctic journal;

£1,250 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

'In 1849, when public attention was turned to the fate of Sir John Franklin, Osborn entered into the question with enthusiasm and energy, and in 1850 was appointed to command the steam tender Pioneer, in the Arctic expedition under Captain Austin in the Resolute. Considered as a surveying expedition, it was eminently successful, and proved that Franklin's ships had not been lost in Baffin's Bay. Much of the success of the voyage was due to the steam tenders, which, during the summers of 1850 and 1851, held out new prospects for Arctic navigation. The way in which the Pioneer or Intrepid cut through rotten ice, or steamed through the loose pack in a calm, led directly to the employment of powerful screw-steamers in the whaling fleet. On his return to England in 1851, Osborn urged the renewal of the search for Franklin' (ODNB). First edition; 8vo (19.5 x 12.5 cm); 4 tinted lithographs, large folding map coloured in outline, bookplate and shelf label to pastedown; twentieth-century full calf, boards ruled in gilt, spine in six gilt compartments with gilt green morocco lettering piece, all edges and endpapers marbled, a fine copy; vii, 320 pp. Abbey (Travel), 640; Sabin 57760.

• Binding: Hardcover

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