Fridtjof Nansen's Farthest North 1898 Victorian Antique Book Arctic Exploration

A fantastic complete 2-volume set of Farthest North, the journal and associated documentation of explorer Fridtjof Nansen during his arctic voyage aboard the ship 'Fram' between 1893 and 1896. The journey saw Nansen and his crew enter Siberian pack ice and travel towards record-breaking northern latitudes, accomplished due to Nansen's theory that a current would pull the frozen ship northwards over time. His findings were correct, paving the way for later North Pole expeditions. This set is the highly sought-after second edition, beautifully decorated and packed with visual aids in facsimile from Nansen's own sketches during the trip. It includes a folding map and over 120 illustrations across the set. In very good condition with some rubbing to board edges, corners and spine ends, the corners are a little bumped and there are a couple of inscriptions to the front free endpapers. The rear hinge to Vol I is ever so slightly weakened but remains secure and useable. Generally clean inside bar a scuff to the half-title of Vol I, tanned prelims and the occasional spot of foxing. Overall very good, beautifully bound in a highly decorative blue 'north star' cloth binding which features the ship 'Fram' in icy waters under a guiding star. The gilt-stamped titles are topped with silver stamped icicles, and the block edge is speckled red. 480 and 454pg. 23 x 16 cm. My books are packed and posted using recycled materials wherever possible. #140