Discovery: The Story of the Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition, Signed by Richard E. Byrd, First Edition, 1935

Byrd, Richard E. Discovery: The Story of the Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1935. Signed, stated first edition. Octavo. In original boards and dustjacket. Presented with a new archival slipcase. 

This is a stated first edition of Richard Byrd’s Discovery: The Story of the Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition. This book is signed by Richard Byrd. This first edition was published in New York by G.P. Putnam’s Sons in 1935. It includes an introduction by Claude A. Swanson, Secretary of the Navy. It is presented here in its original dust jacket with a new custom, archival slipcase. This book tells the adventurous story of rear admiral Richard E. Byrd’s second journey to Antarctica. 

Rear admiral Richard E. Byrd(1888-1957) was known as a pioneering American aviator, polar explorer, and organizer of polar logistics. His first Antarctic expedition of 1928-30, recounted in his 1938 book Alone, established a well-equipped base in Antartica, dubbed “Little America.” Following his first expedition to Antartica, Byrd was eager to return, as a great deal of the expansive continent was left undiscovered and undocumented. 

His second journey was launched during the Great Depression, when funding was especially hard to secure. This book recounts the events of this second expedition, from Byrd's solo manning of Bolling Weather Station, where he battled the debilitating effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, to his scientific discoveries. He returned with a treasure trove of scientific knowledge. Over 1,000 miles of coastline were mapped and his scientists discovered tree fossils in mountains only 210 miles from the South Pole, proving that Antarctica had once been a much warmer place. Readers of Discovery will experience the polar landscape through Byrd’s own struggles, revelations, and triumphs and share the excitement of these timeless adventures. 

Admiral Byrd’s classic explorations by land, air, and sea transport us to the farthest reaches of the globe. 

CONDITION:

Very good condition. Octavo. In original hardcover boards and original pictorial dustjacket. Dust jacket has light wear and bumping, but has been stabilized by a conservator. Paper is healthy, with only light to moderate toning throughout. Signed by the author "R. E. Byrd" in ink pen. Signature is legible. The book is presented with a new archival slipcase with Byrd’s photograph inlaid on the front.

Dimensions: 9 5/8" H x 6 1/2" W x 1 7/8" D (Book). 10" H x 6 7/8" W x 2 1/4" D (Slipcase).