[Livingstone, David]

David Livingstone: The Great Missionary Explorer.

New York : The Walter Scott Publishing Co., Ltd, n.d. c. 1908.

Finely bound example of this anonymous work on the life of David Livingstone. Octavo, bound in full morocco with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, all edges marbled, frontispiece. In near fineContinue reading "David Livingstone: The Great Missionary Explorer."

Valens, E.G. [Jill Kinmont]

A Long Way Up: The Story of Jill Kinmont.

New York : Harper & Row, Publishers, 1967.

First edition of this powerful biography of Jill Kinmont. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated with photographs by Burk Uzzle and others. Presentation copy, inscribed by Kinmont on the front front free endpaper, “To Dr. Robinson, Thank you for your nice letter. Best Wishes- Jill Kinmont 2-27-67.” Near fine in a near fine dust jacket. Jacket designContinue reading "A Long Way Up: The Story of Jill Kinmont."

Norgay, Tenzing with Malcolm Barnes

After Everest: An Autobiography by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa.

New Delhi : Vikas Publishing House, 1977.

First edition of Tenzing’s second autobiography, the sequel to his best-selling Tiger of the Snows. Octavo, original cloth. Signed by the author on the half-title page beneath an inscription in a secretarial hand, “To William Levine,” “Tenzing Norgay.” With the original typed transmittal letter on Norgay’s personal letterhead signed by him laid in which reads:Continue reading "After Everest: An Autobiography by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa."

[Franklin Delano Roosevelt]

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Cruise Pamphlet Collection.

City of Washington : Published by the Smithsonian Institution, 1939-1942.

First editions of ten botanical and zoological pamphlets published as a result of collections and investigations made during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Presidential Cruise of 1938 to the Galapo, six being presentation copies inscribed and signed “FDR” on the front wrapper. Octavo, ten pamphlets, original brown printed paper wrappers, illustrated. Presentation copies, 6 pamphlets are signedContinue reading "Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Cruise Pamphlet Collection."

Mawson, Douglas. [William Arthur Holman]

The Home of the Blizzard: Being the Story of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 1911-1914.

London : William Heinemann, 1915.

First edition of this classic account of Antarctic exploration, an exceptional association copy inscribed by the author in both volumes in the year of publication to a fellow Australian, the Premier of New South Wales. Quarto, two volumes, original dark blue cloth with gilt titles to the spine, gilt vignette to the front panels, profuselyContinue reading "The Home of the Blizzard: Being the Story of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 1911-1914."

Seller, John

Moscovia and Russia. [17th Century John Seller Map of Moscow and Russia].

London c. 1685.

Rare hand-colored 17th century John Seller Map of Moscow and Russia, from Daniel Fenning’s A New System of Geography. One page, with intricate topographical details and hand-colored borders. In near fine condition.

Seller, John

17th Century John Seller Map of New England and New York.

London : Seller, Price & Senex, 1703.

Rare 17th century John Seller map of New England and New York from Daniel Fenning’s A New System of Geography. One page, with intricate topographical details and hand-colored borders, the map displays the eastern portion of New York and New England and includes Long Island, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Block Island, and Rhode Island. In nearContinue reading "17th Century John Seller Map of New England and New York."

Huxley, Elspeth

The Flame Trees of Thika: Memories of an African Childhood.

London : Chatto & Windus, 1959.

First edition of Huxley’s autobiographical work based on her early life among white settlers on her father’s coffee plantation in Kenya. Octavo, original cloth. Signed by Elspeth Huxley on the title page. Near fine in a near fine dust jacket, bookplate to the front free endpaper. Jacket design by Rosemary Seligman. Uncommon signed.

[Armstrong, Neil]

Neil Armstrong Class of 1947 Signed Yearbook.

Wapakoneta, Ohio : Blume High School Class of 1947, 1947.

Rare Blume High School Class of 1947 yearbook, signed by Neil Armstrong as a graduating senior. Quarto, original leatherette. Signed by Neil Armstrong beneath his senior portrait on page 12 of the yearbook. Armstrong is also featured in a number of additional photographs throughout the book: on page 44 as a Band Officer, page 52Continue reading "Neil Armstrong Class of 1947 Signed Yearbook."

[Kipling, Rudyard]

Horizon: Kipling’s India.

New York : American Heritage Publishing Co. Inc., 1964.

First appearance of Kipling’s India. Quarto, bound in full cloth with gilt titles to the spine and front panel. The Autumn, 1964. Volume VI, Number 4 issue of Horizon. In near fine condition.

Cernan, Gene; Ron Evans; John Young

Apollo Astronauts Signed Note.

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Rare note signed by Apollo astronauts John Young (Gemini 3, Gemini 10, Apollo 10, Apollo 16, STS-1, STS-9), Ronald Evans (Apollo 17), and Gene Cernan (Gemini 9A, Apollo 10, Apollo 17). One page, signed by each astronaut. The note measures 7 inches by 5 inches. The entire piece measures 13.25 inches by 11.25 inches.

Swift, Jonathan [Robert R. Livingstone]

The Works of Jonathan Swift: Including, Gulliver’s Travels.

Edinburgh : Printed by Mrs. Mundell, 1778.

First of 4 issues, Scotch editions, from the library of Robert R. Livingstone, with his bookplate to the pastedown of each volume. Small octavo, bound in contemporary calf, spine compartments ruled with Greek key tooling, morocco spine labels. From the library of founding father Robert R. Livingston. As one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, LivingstonContinue reading "The Works of Jonathan Swift: Including, Gulliver’s Travels."

Woolley, C. Leonard and T. E. Lawrence

The Wilderness of Zin.

London : Stacey International, 2003.

Revised edition of the authors comprehensive account of their daring 1914 military mapping expedition in southern Palestine. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated. Preface by Jonathan Tubb. Introduction by T. Sam N. Moorehead. Fine in a fine dust jacket.

Laurie, Robert and James Whittle

Plan of the Road and Town of La Guayra on the Coast of Caraccas, by an Officer in Admiral Knowles’s Squadron. [18th Century English Map of La Guaira].

London : Laurie & Whittle, 1794.

Rare Hand-Colored 18th Century Laurie & Whittle Map of La Guaira. One page, the map details the town of La Guaira, Venezuela. In near fine condition. Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 7.25 inches by 7.5 inches. Rare and desirable with fine hand-coloring.

Laurie, Robert; James Whittle

Puerto Cavello on the Coast of Caracas; by Lt. Jones in 1741. [18th Century English Map of Puerto Cavello].

London : Laurie & Whittle, 1794.

Rare hand-colored map of Puerto Cavello, one of the earliest obtainable English language maps to focus on this region. One page, the map displays a town plan, charting of the harbor, forts and surrounding islands. In near fine condition. Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 16 inches by 12.5 inches. A handsome example.

Palin, Michael. Photographs by Basil Pao

Sahara.

New York : Thomas Dunne Books, 2003.

First edition of Palin’s incredible retelling of his journey across the Sahara Desert. Quarto, original boards, patterned endpapers, photographs by Basil Pao. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the title page, “To Glenn – Don’t eat the camel! Michael Palin.” The recipient, Glenn Goldman founded Book Soup in 1975, an independently owned bookstore onContinue reading "Sahara."

Stark, Freya

A Winter in Arabia.

London : John Murray, 1945.

Early printing of one of the most important pieces of literature on the region and a book that placed Freya Stark in the pantheon of great writers and explorers of the Arab World. Octavo, original cloth, frontispiece, illustrated, maps. Near fine in a very good dust jacket. Foreword by Sir Kinahan Cornwallis. Uncommon in theContinue reading "A Winter in Arabia."

Indian Landmark Photograph Collection.

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Rare collection of black and white photographs taken by John Nort Hall an army photographer with the British military police stationed in India. 15 photographs measuring 8 inches by ten inches, the collection includes photographs of the Taj Mahal, temples, oxen bathing, and local people working and living. In near find condition.

Armstrong, Neil

Neil Armstrong Signed Portrait.

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Portrait of American astronaut Neil Armstrong, boldly signed by him. Double matted and framed. The entire piece measures 13 inches by 11.75 inches. Rare and desirable signed and uninscribed by Armstrong.

[Steinbeck, John]

Two Russian Books From the Library of John Steinbeck.

Moscow : Various, c. 1960.

Two volumes in Russian from the library of American literary master John Steinbeck. Quarto, two volumes including a book of early Russian Orthodox paintings with many in color and a folio of loose plates featuring artwork from the Hermitage Museum. From the library of John Steinbeck. In very good condition.

New Orleans Souvenir Album and Travel Brochure Collection.

: Various, 1938-1960.

Rare collection of 5 souvenir albums and nine pictorial travel brochures printed between 1938 and 1960. The souvenir albums include a “Souvenir Condensed History of New Orleans for the Tourist” (c. 1955), a “Souvenir du Restaurant Antoine”, “New Orleans, America’s Most Interesting City”, an early accordion-style pictorial album, and “Winter in New Orleans: Season 1908-1909”Continue reading "New Orleans Souvenir Album and Travel Brochure Collection."

[Aldrin, Buzz]

Buzz Aldrin Signed Two Dollar Bill.

Washington, D.C : United States Treasury, 1976.

Rare two dollar bill signed by American astronaut and the second man to land on the moon, Buzz Aldrin on the 200th anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence. Matted and framed, the entire piece measures 10.5 inches by 5.75 inches. In near fine condition.

Burney, Capt. James

A Chronological History of the Discoveries in the South Sea or Pacific Ocean. Illustrated with Charts.

London : Printed by Luke Hansard, 1803.

Rare first edition of “the most important general history of early South Seas discoveries, containing practically everything of importance on the subject; collected from all sources, with the most important remarks concerning them. Many of the early voyages to California would be inaccessible were they not collected herein” (Hill). Quarto, 5 volumes bound in fullContinue reading "A Chronological History of the Discoveries in the South Sea or Pacific Ocean. Illustrated with Charts."

Warren, Whitney and Charles Delevan Wetmore

Hotel at Waikiki Beach Blueprint Portfolio.

New York : Warren & Wetmore Architects, c. 1925 .

Rare original blueprint portfolio for Warren & Wetmore’s iconic “Hotel at Waikiki Beach”, later named the Royal Hawaiian. Folio, containing 30 sheets bound and bradded. In good condition.

Lear, Moya Olsen

Bill and Moya Lear: An Unforgettable Flight.

Reno, Nevada : Jack Bacon & Company, 1996.

First edition of this autobiography of Bill and Moya Lear. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated. Association copy, inscribed by the author to Bob and Deloros Hope on the half-title page in the year of publication, “To Bob and Delores [sic] – You” remember a lot of this! With an embrace for you both Moya Olsen LearContinue reading "Bill and Moya Lear: An Unforgettable Flight."

Kipling, Rudyard

Rudyard Kipling with The British Fleet.

Boston : For the Boston American, 1915.

The Boston American’s complimentary reprint of Kipling’s Fringes of the Fleet which first appeared in England in The Daily Telegraph, and in the United States in the Hearst newspapers. Octavo, original pictorial wrappers. In near fine condition. Housed in a custom half morocco and chemise case. Rare.

Scott, Robert Falcon. Edited by Ernest Henry Shackleton, Louis C. Bernacchi and Apsley George Benet Cherry-Garrard

The South Polar Times.

London : Smith, Elder, & Co, 1907-1914.

First limited edition of the complete collection of the South Polar Times, a periodical created by Scott’s crew during his two polar expeditions on the ships Discovery and Terra Nova, with a slip signed by Ernest Shackleton and Rudolph Blakenburg Quarto, three volumes, publisher’s gilt decorated cloth, all edges gilt, frontispiece to each volume, elaboratelyContinue reading "The South Polar Times."

Kazantzakis, Nikos

Taxidevontas Aglia [England: A Travel Journal].

Athens : Pyrsos, 1941.

Rare first edition in Greek of Kazantzakis’ travelogue of England. Octavo, original wrappers. In very good condition with light rubbing.

Atherton, Gertrude

The Splendid Idle Forties: Stories of Old California.

New York : The Macmillan Company, 1902.

First edition of the first novel in the author’s California series. Octavo, original cloth elaborated stamped in gilt, illustrated by Harrison Fisher. In near fine condition. An exceptional example.

Wilkins, William

The Antiquities of Magna Graecia.

Cambridge : Printed at the University Press by Richard Watts for Longman, Hurst, Orme and Rees, 1807.

First edition of this ambitious and influential work on the classical architecture of the Magna Graecia by one of the leading figures of the English Greek Revival movement of the early 19th century. Folio, bound in full green buckram, engraved vignette to the title page, illustrated with 73 full-page engraved plates including 20 aquatint views,Continue reading "The Antiquities of Magna Graecia."

Wilmot, Alexander

The History of Our Own Times in South Africa.

London : J. C. Juta & Co, 1897-1899.

First edition of Wilmot’s authoritative history of the development of South Africa. Octavo, three volumes, original cloth with gilt titles to the spines. In near fine condition with rubbing to the extremities.

Kipilng, Rudyard

Toomai of the Elephants.

London : Macmillan and Co., Limited, 1937.

First separate edition Kipling’s story of Toomai, a young elephant-handler, the basis for the 1937 film “Elephant Boy” starring Sabu Dastagir, India’s first child actor. Octavo, original boards, illustrated with photographs from the film by Mrs. F. H. Flaherty. Very good in the original dust jacket which is in good condition.

Antique Post Card Album.

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Antique postcard collection containing dozens of vintage postcards postdated in the early 1900s. From the collection of Dora Sims. Oblong octavo, bound in decorated cloth. The collection includes postcards with scenic views of Cleveland, Yellowstone National Park, Niagara Falls, the Columbia River Highway, and the Mississippi River, In very good condition. A charming collection.

Antique Postcard Collection Album.

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Rare folio containing hundreds of vintage postcards, most postdated between 1907 and 1917. From the collection of Ellen Warren. Folio, original cloth decorated in gilt with raised vignettes to the front panel depicting a snowy landscape and caribou bust, patterned endpapers, containing hundreds of postcards including many Christmas, New Year’s and Easter postcards, family photographContinue reading "Antique Postcard Collection Album."

James, Bruce

Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile, In the Years 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772.

Edinburgh : G.G. J. and J. Robinson, 1790.

First edition of this classic work. Quarto, 5 volumes, bound in half leather, all edges gilt. With 58 engraved plates and 3 folding maps. In near fine condition.

Cooke, Francis B

Single-Handed Cruising.

London : Edward Arnold, 1919.

First edition of this essential early manual on single-handed cruising by one of the greatest yachting writers of the 20th century. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated. From the library of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the front pastedown. American businessman and record-setting aviator Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo nonstopContinue reading "Single-Handed Cruising."

Roosevelt, Eleanor

India and the Awakening East.

New York : Harper & Brothers, Publishers, 1953.

First edition of Eleanor Roosevelt’s account of her travels through the Middle East and India. Octavo, original half cloth, cartographic endpapers, illustrated with 32 pages of photographs. Signed by Eleanor Roosevelt on the half-title page. Very good in a very good dust jacket.

Williams, Geoffrey

Sir Thomas Lipton Wins.

London : Peter Davies, 1969.

First edition of Williams’ account of his record-breaking passage aboard the Sir Thomas Lipton in the Transatlantic Race of 1968. Octavo, original cloth. From the library of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the front pastedown. American businessman and record-setting aviator Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo nonstop around theContinue reading "Sir Thomas Lipton Wins."

Kipling, Rudyard

Around The World With Kipling.

Garden City, NY : Doubleday, Page & Company, 1926.

First edition of this collection of five essays regarding Kipling’s life and work with an extensive index of his works and folding map at rear. Octavo, original cloth, pictorial endpapers, illustrated, frontispiece portrait of Kipling. Very good in the original dust jacket which is in good condition.

Russo, Joseph Louis. [John Steinbeck; Elaine Steinbeck]

Present Day Italian.

Boston : D.C. Heath and Company, 1947.

First edition of Joseph Louis Russo’s Present Day Italian, from the library of John and Elaine Steinbeck with Elaine’s ownership signature and marginal notes throughout. In very good condition. Rare and desirable.

Miami Bayfront Park Panorama.

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Rare panoramic view of Miami Bayfront Park. One page, folded, the panorama measures 28.5 inches by 7 inches with an advertisement for the City of Miami to the verso. In near fine condition. A bright and desirable piece.

Muir, John

A Thousand-Mile Walk To the Gulf.

Boston : Houghton Mifflin Company, 1916.

First edition of this work by Muir. Octavo, original green cloth, color pictorial cover label, lettered in white, top edge gilt. Edited with an introduction by William Frederic Badè. Illustrated with several plates from photographs, including a frontispiece portrait with tissue guard; map. Fine in the rare original dust jacket, which is in near fineContinue reading "A Thousand-Mile Walk To the Gulf."

Noyce, Wilfrid; Foreword by Sir John Hunt

South Col: One Man’s Adventure on the Ascent of Everest 1953.

London : William Heinemann Ltd, 1954.

First edition of Noyce’s firsthand account of the ascent of South Col. Octavo, original cloth, pictorial endpapers, illustrated with photogravures and maps including frontispiece. Foreword by Sir John Hunt. Association copy, signed by Noyce on the title page and inscribed by him on the front free endpaper to Susan Hunt, “Susan Hunt, Specially – WeContinue reading "South Col: One Man’s Adventure on the Ascent of Everest 1953."

Aldrin, Buzz

Buzz Aldrin Signed Photograph.

1969.

Original color photograph of Buzz Aldrin, boldly inscribed by him. The photograph measures 10 inches by 8 inches. In fine condition.

Facsimiles of Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Waitangi.

New Zealand : R.E. Owen, Government Printer, 1960.

Finely bound example of this compilation of documents related to the Declaration of the Independence of New Zealand and the Treaty of Waitangi. Quarter, bound in full pebbled leatherette with gilt titles to the front panel, containing numerous facsimiles of original signed documents, many folding. In very good condition. Rare.

Tetley, Nigel

Trimaran Solo: The Story of Victress’ Circumnavigation and Last Voyage.

Hampshire : Nautical Publishing Company, 1970.

First edition of Nigel Tetley’s account of his final solo voyage around the world his trimaran Victress. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated with photographs, charts and diagrams. From the library of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the pastedown. American businessman and record-setting aviator Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo nonstopContinue reading "Trimaran Solo: The Story of Victress’ Circumnavigation and Last Voyage."

Chichester, Francis

Alone Across The Atlantic.

New York : Doubleday & Company, Inc, 1961.

First edition of this work by the famed explorer. Octavo, original cloth, cartographic endpapers, illustrated. From the library of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the pastedown. American businessman and record-setting aviator Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo nonstop around the world in 2002 in his 10-story high balloon SpiritContinue reading "Alone Across The Atlantic."

Graham, Commander R.D. Introduction by Claud Worth

Rough Passage.

Edinburgh and London : William Blackwood & Sons Ltd, 1936.

First edition of Graham’s narrative of his solo voyage across the Atlantic to Newfoundland, Labrador, and Bermuda on the Yacht Emanuel. Octavo, original cloth, cartographic endpapers, with maps and illustrations including frontispiece. From the library of of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the pastedown. American businessman and record-setting aviator Steve Fossett becameContinue reading "Rough Passage."

Smeeton, Miles; Foreword by Nevil Shute

Once is Enough.

London : Rupert Hart-Davis, 1959.

First edition of this “unique among books of maritime adventure” (New York Times Book Review). Octavo, original cloth. From the library of of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the pastedown. American businessman and record-setting aviator Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo nonstop around the world in 2002 in hisContinue reading "Once is Enough."

Mawson, Sir Douglas

The Home Of The Blizzard: Being the Story of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 1911–1914.

Philadelphia and London : J.B. Lippincott and William Heinemann, 1915.

First edition of this classic account of Antarctic exploration. Thick octavo, 2 volumes, original dark blue cloth, profusely illustrated with 18 color plates, hundreds of black-and-white plates, numerous in-text illustrations and three color folding maps in rear pocket of Volume II. From the library of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the pastedown of eachContinue reading "The Home Of The Blizzard: Being the Story of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 1911–1914."

[Russia]

A New and Exact Description of Moscovy.

London : R. Baldwin, 1698.

First edition of this work. Octavo, bound in modern wrappers, 28 pages. In very good condition with some browning and toning to the text. Rare, with no other examples appearing at auction in the last 80 years.

Harrer, Heinrich [His Holiness The Dalai Lama]

Seven Years in Tibet.

New York : E.P. Dutton & Company, 1954.

First American edition of Harrer’s classic account, signed by Harrer and The Dalai Lama. Octavo, original half cloth, illustrated with over 40 photographs. Presentation copy, lengthily inscribed by Heinrich Harrer in both English and Tibetan on the half-title page, “To Mrs. Rosser with best wishes in remembrance of my lecture in Philadelphia from H. HarrerContinue reading "Seven Years in Tibet."

Des Ballons Aérostatiques, de la maniere de les construire, de les faire elever [Of Balloons aerostatic, the way to build them, elevate them].

Lausanne : J.P. Heubach & Cie, 1784.

First edition of this work, translated as, Of Balloons Aerostatic, the Way to Build Them, Elevate Them. Octavo, bound in contemporary three quarters calf over marbled boards, gilt titles to the spine and gilt balloon tooling in 4 compartments, marbled endpapers. This work is often wrongly attributed to Faujas de Saint-Fond, as it reprints his “DiscoursContinue reading "Des Ballons Aérostatiques, de la maniere de les construire, de les faire elever [Of Balloons aerostatic, the way to build them, elevate them]."

Bonington, Chris and Charles Clarke

Tibet’s Secret Mountain: The Triump of Sepu Kangri.

London : Weidenfeld & Nicolson , 2000.

First edition of this work by Bonington and Clarke. Octavo, original cloth, cartographic endpapers, illustrated. Signed by Chris Bonington and Charles Clarke on the title page. From the library of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the pastedown of each volume. American businessman and record-setting aviator Steve Fossett became the first person toContinue reading "Tibet’s Secret Mountain: The Triump of Sepu Kangri."

Bonington, Chris

Mountaineer: Thirty Years of Climbing the World’s Great Peaks.

London : Diadem Books, 1993.

First edition of this work by the legendary mountaineer. Quarto, original cloth, illustrated. Association copy, inscribed by the author to fellow explorer Steve Fossett on the half-title page, “To Steve, Fellow adventurer and mountaineer, who has achieved so much on land, at sea and in the air. Warm good wishes, Chris.” From the library ofContinue reading "Mountaineer: Thirty Years of Climbing the World’s Great Peaks."

Whymper, Edward

Travels Amongst the Great Andes of the Equator.

London : John Murray, 1891-92.

First edition of this work by the mountaineer and explorer. Octavo, 2 volumes, original publisher’s cloth, with 34 engraved plates and 4 maps (one folding, one large folding route map in rear cover pocket). From the library of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the pastedown of each volume. American businessman and record-settingContinue reading "Travels Amongst the Great Andes of the Equator."

Davis, John K

With the “Aurora” in the Antarctic 1911-1914.

London : Andrew Melrose, 1919.

First edition of Captain John Davis’ expedition to Antarctica. Octavo, original blue cloth, gilt titles and gilt illustration of the titular steamship, illustrated throughout, tipped-in rear map. From the library of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the front free endpaper. American businessman and record-setting aviator Steve Fossett became the first person toContinue reading "With the “Aurora” in the Antarctic 1911-1914."

Bonington, Chris

The Everest Years: A Climber’s Life.

London : Hodder & Stoughton, 1986.

First edition of this work by Bonington. Octavo, original cloth. Signed by Chris Bonington on the title page. From the library of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the pastedown. American businessman and record-setting aviator Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo nonstop around the world in 2002 in his 10-storyContinue reading "The Everest Years: A Climber’s Life."

Christensen, Lars

Such Is The Antarctic.

London : Hodder and Stoughton, 1935.

First edition of Norwegian Antarctic explorer Lars Christensen’s account of his Antarctic voyages between 1930 and 1934. Quarto, original cloth, cartographic endpapers, frontispiece portrait of the author, illustrated with 44 plates and one folding map. From the library of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the pastedown. American businessman and record-setting aviator SteveContinue reading "Such Is The Antarctic."

Hayes, J. Gordon

Antarctica: A Treatise on the Southern Continent.

London : The Richards Press, 1928.

First edition of Hayes’ seminal work on Antarctica. Quarto, original cloth, illustrated with plates after photographs, charts and maps, many folding. From the library of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the pastedown of each volume. American businessman and record-setting aviator Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo nonstop around theContinue reading "Antarctica: A Treatise on the Southern Continent."

Grierson, John

Sir Hubert Wilkins: Enigma of Exploration.

London : Robert Hale Limited, 1960.

First edition of John Grierson’s biography of fellow Arctic pioneer Sir Hubert Wilkins. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated with photographs and maps. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper in the year of publication, “to my distinguished Namesake from John Grierson 5.10.60.” From the library of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with hisContinue reading "Sir Hubert Wilkins: Enigma of Exploration."

Yule, Colonel Henry

The Book of Ser Marco Polo, the Venetian, Concerning the Kingdoms and Marvels of the East.

London : John Murray, 1871.

First edition of Yule’s important work which correlated Polo’s travels with their present-day locations. Octavo, two volumes. Bound in full morocco by Sangorski and Sutcliffe with gilt titles and tooling to the spine, gilt ruling and vignettes to the front panels, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, all edges gilt, patterned endpapers, with maps and engravedContinue reading "The Book of Ser Marco Polo, the Venetian, Concerning the Kingdoms and Marvels of the East."

Bull, Henrik Johan

The Cruise of the ‘Antarctic’ to the South Polar Regions.

London : Edward Arnold, 1896.

First edition of Antarctic pioneer Henrik Johan Bull’s account of his voyage aboard the steamship ‘Antarctic’ in search of the elusive Right whale which, arguably, put the first men on the continent. Octavo, original pictorial cloth with gilt titles to the spine, gilt vignette of the ‘Antarctic’ to the front panel, frontispiece by W.L. WyllieContinue reading "The Cruise of the ‘Antarctic’ to the South Polar Regions."

Allcard, Edward C

Temptress Returns.

London : Putnam & Co., Ltd, 1952.

First edition of English yachtsman Edward C. Allcard’s detailed account of his second solo trip across the Atlantic aboard the yawl Temptress. Octavo, original cloth, cartographic endpapers, frontispiece, illustrated. From the library of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the pastedown. American businessman and record-setting aviator Steve Fossett became the first person toContinue reading "Temptress Returns."

Byron, Robert

The Road to Oxiana.

London : Macmillan & Company, 1937.

First edition of the author’s masterpiece. Octavo, original cloth, frontispiece, 15 plates and a map. From the library of Henry Alexander Nesbitt Medd. Medd, who was an architect and best-known for his collaboration with fellow architects, Edwin Luytens and Herbert Baker, in designing New Delhi. He remained in India and in 1939-47 held the roleContinue reading "The Road to Oxiana."

Huxley, Elspeth

The Flame Trees of Thika: Memories of an African Childhood.

London : Chatto & Windus, 1959.

First edition of Huxley’s autobiographical work based on her early life among white settlers on her father’s coffee plantation in Kenya. Octavo, original cloth. Signed by Elspeth Huxley on the title page. Near fine in a near fine dust jacket. Jacket design by Rosemary Seligman. Uncommon signed.

Grierson, John. Introduction by Wolfgang von Gronau

High Failure: Solo Along the Arctic Air Route.

London : William Hodge & Company, Limited, 1936.

First edition of English Aviator John Grierson’s account of his solo trip along the Arctic Air Route. Octavo, original cloth, cartographic endpapers, illustrated. Associtation copy, inscribed by the author on the half-title page in the year of publication, “To Chief Factor Ralph Parsons with best wished John Grierson 15/11/36.” The recipient, Ralph Parsons was aContinue reading "High Failure: Solo Along the Arctic Air Route."

Brown, Monty. Foreword by Vivian Fuchs

Where Giants Trod: The Saga of Kenya’s Desert Lake.

London : Quiller Press, 1989.

Special limited edition of Brown’s elaborately illustrated history of Kenya’s northern desert region and the 13 expeditions to Lake Rudolf. Quarto, original publisher’s three quarters pebbled morocco over leatherette boards, marbled endpapers, with 75 color and 50 black and white illustrations, folding map in pocket affixed to rear pastedown. One of 250 numbered copies signedContinue reading "Where Giants Trod: The Saga of Kenya’s Desert Lake."

Roosevelt, Eleanor

India and the Awakening East.

New York : Harper & Brothers, Publishers, 1953.

First edition of Eleanor Roosevelt’s account of her travels through the Middle East and India. Octavo, original half cloth, cartographic endpapers, illustrated with 32 pages of photographs.  Presentation copy, signed by the author on the half-title page, “Eleanor Roosevelt with love to you, on Washington’s birthday Fer. 22, 1954 Vernon.” Near fine in a veryContinue reading "India and the Awakening East."

Jameson, Mrs. [Anna Brownell]

Visits and Sketches at Home and Abroad with Tales and Miscellanies Now First Collected and a New Edition of the Diary of an Ennuyée.

London : Saunders and Otley, 1834.

Rare first edition of Mrs. Jameson’s Visits and Sketches at Home and Abroad. Octavo, volume III only of four volumes bound in three quarters vellum over marbled boards with gilt tooling to the spine, marbled endpapers, engraved frontispiece, headpieces, and tailpieces, all edges red. In very good condition.

Brown, Kenneth

The Medchester Club.

New York : The Derrydale Press, 1938.

First edition of the author’s collection of hunting reminiscences and tales of horsemanship. Octavo, original cloth with labels to the spine and front panel lettered in gilt, illustrated by Smithson Broadhead. One of 950 numbered copies, this is number 814. In near fine condition.

Uris, Leon; Photographs by Dimitrios Harissiadis

Exodus Revisited.

Garden City, NY : Doubleday & Company, Inc, 1960.

First edition of this monograph of photographs of Uris’ visit to Israel. Quarto, original cloth, illustrated throughout. Signed by the author on the front free endpaper, “Shalom Leon Uris.” Fine in a near fine dust jacket with light shelfwear. Jacket design by Sydney Butchkes. Project coordination by Ilan Hartuv.