1880 Voyages aux Mers Polaires a la Recherche de Sir John Franklin

Description

Illustrated, Leather Binding, Uncommon

Sir John Franklin (1786-1847) was a British naval officer and Arctic explorer who had led two successful expeditions into the Canadian Arctic, but became lost during his third expedition. Departing in 1845 in two ships, the expedition was intended to cross the unnavigated parts of the Northwest Passage of the Canadian Arctic, but became icebound near King William Island, where they were trapped for over a year before a number of survivors disappeared whilst seeking rescue. 

Many expeditions were undertaken in the years following their disappearance in an attempt to find the crew. The ships were finally discovered in 2014 and 2016 and are now protected as a National Historic Site.

In the French language.

Written by Joseph-Rene Bellot (1826-1853), a French explorer of the Arctic and naval officer.

A third edition.

Illustrated with one folding plate, a full plate frontispiece as well as a number of other full plates, and vignettes throughout the text.

From the library of Eric Kenneth Prentice Back. Kenn Back was a British meteorologist with the British Antarctic survey for many years. He spent eight winters in the Antarctic and is a descendent of Captain George Back. In addition, he served as base commander at Halley, Faraday and Rothera stations. His library collection was built over decades and highlights his love of polar exploration.