1955 Les Derniers Rois de Thulé

Description

Author's Presentation Copy, First Edition, Illustrated, Pleasing Copy, Publishers' Original Binding, Signed, With Slipcase

The first edition of this work, published in 1955, in the original French. 

This copy being the author's presentation copy, inscribed to Hamilton:  "Au Dr R A Hamilton, dans les souvenirs du temps [...] de votre expeditions en 1937-38, et de mon expedition en 1950-51. Dutak, Nukapianguaq, Pauluna, Ksutsikitsoq ... tout d'hommes vaillants, secrets et nobles. Vingt apres, en tres cordial hommage, Jean Malaurie," dated 1973. 

Hamilton was head of the British Antarctic survey's meteorology department based at Edinburgh University. Tipped in, is also a letter from James Wordie, Scottish polar explorer and geologist, who is recommending this volume to Hamilton, dated 1955.

This fascinating book recounts Jean-Baptiste Malaurie's mission in the north-west Greenland between 1950 and 1951, in the heart of the territory of the last Eskimos. The title of the volume, Les Derniers Rois de Thulé translates to 'The Last Kings of Thulé.' 

Richly illustrated with photographs and maps in black and white throughout.

Malaurie spent a year in close contact to the last Polar Eskimos community, and this work is not only fascinating for its contents, but also displays a great talent by the author in storytelling, and has become a reference work in the field of ethnographic popularisation. Since its first publication, it has been translated into twenty three languages and sold over a million copies, going through five editions. 

It is the first title in the noted collection 'Terre Humaine.' 

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.