Aurora Australis [Folio Society Limited Edition]

London: Folio Society, 2021. Limited Edition First Printing. Hardcover. New. 4to - over 9¾ - 12" tall. Marston, George. Folio Society limited edition of 500 copies, this being #107. A new copy as received directly from the Folio Society, and stored in the original FS protective packaging. Devised by Ernest Shackleton to sustain his men's spirits during the winter darkness of 1908, 'Aurora Australis' was the first book ever produced in Antarctica: a beautifully illustrated miscellany of polar life printed inside the British Antarctic Expedition's cramped hut. To mark the centenary of Shackleton's death, the Folio Society created a superb replica of the copy that Shackleton presented to Rudyard Kipling. The calfskin leather quarter-binding and Venesta beechwood boards, originally fashioned by Bernard Day, expedition electrician and motor-engineer, have been faithfully reproduced by Ludlow Bookbinders. Day made the bindings from various expedition packing cases, with their original contents still indicated in stencilled lettering. For this copy, 'BRITISH ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION 1907' can be seen inside the front board and 'PETIT POIS' inside the back - hence the original is known as the 'petit pois' edition. 'Aurora Australis' measures 11'' x 8'' and has 194 pages printed on Old Mill paper and hand-sewn with green twine. The book is printed throughout to match the original, with 11 illustrations in total by expedition member, George Marston. The 16-page 'Commentary' by Jan Piggott is printed letterpress on Munken pure paper by Hand and Eye, London, and bound in green Tintoretto Ceylon paper blocked in brown foil. The books are presented in a linen-covered clamshell box, blocked in brown foil and inset with a calfskin leather label, blind-blocked with the ' Printed at the Sign of ''The Penguins'' ' device. This clamshell box measures 12'' x 9'' x 2¼''. With only around 80 copies made originally, and no other facsimile reproductions in print, this is a rare chance to own one of the greatest mementos from the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. Additional photos available on request or these may be viewed on my listing. Heavy/oversize book. U.K. postage at default charge but overseas buyers will be asked for extra. Enquiries welcome. All orders professionally packed, tracked and/or signed-for, and insured.