London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1913. First Edition, two volumes in original cloth.
Published in 1913, Scott’s Last Expedition stands as one of the greatest works of exploration literature - the journals and scientific records brought back from the fateful Terra Nova voyage, and the last words of Captain Robert Falcon Scott himself. When news reached Britain that Scott and his companions had perished within sight of their supply depot, the nation mourned, and this two–volume set became the monument to their courage, sacrifice, and tragedy.
Volume I contains Scott’s own journals, ending with his now–immortal words, “for God’s sake look after our people.” Volume II offers the scientific reports, the hard–won fruit of years spent in the world’s harshest climate - geology, zoology, and studies from Dr. Edward Wilson and the other survivors. Together, they form not only a memorial to Scott but also a triumph of discovery, capturing both the human drama and the scientific purpose of the expedition.
This set is made all the more evocative by the inclusion of an autograph card signed by Admiral Edward Evans, second–in–command of the expedition and captain of the Terra Nova. Evans - later Admiral Lord Mountevans - marched with Scott toward the Pole until stricken by scurvy. Near death, he was dragged back to base by his men, his survival a narrow escape. It was Evans who later commanded the ship home, carried the news of Scott’s fate to the world, and remained one of the expedition’s most vocal chroniclers. His signature alongside these volumes provides a tangible and deeply personal link to the inner circle of Scott’s party.
Bound in the original publisher’s navy cloth, gilt–lettered, with photogravure frontispieces, panoramas, folding maps, and plates after Herbert Ponting’s haunting photographs. The set shows the usual darkening to the spines and some scattered foxing, but the contents are generally clean, the plates sharp and vivid. Evans’ signed compliments card is loose, well preserved, and presented with the books.
