Across Greenland in Nansen's Track. Signed.
London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd., 1963.
1st Edition. Hardcover. Signed by Author. 8vo., 144pp., numerous black & white photos. First UK edition & first English language edition. First published in Norway in 1963, translated from the Norwegian. Presentation Copy in very good plus condition; the dustwrapper showing light use at the extemities. SIGNED twice & inscribed to: Louis de la Haba, in Washington, Dec. 1963: "From Bjorn O Staib to De La Haba with the best wishes & hope for a good co-operation on the North Pole expedition. Bjorn o. Staib. Washington Dec. 1963. Book has neat, light purple bracket of a quote in the forward, underlining on two paragraphs in the introduction & on page 67, & pencil underlining on the next to last page [where Staib discusses the eating of raw ptarmigan!]. Bjorn Staib, the next year [1 964], attempted an expedition to the North Pole across the Arctic Ocean, but was not successful. The inscription is curious, Bjorn appeared so single-minded in his thoughts of the upcoming Arctic quest that his inscription seems to be wishing himsel f success. The other reading of the insciption, suggesting that Mr. de la Haba was considering a North Pole expedition, isn't likely, as Mr de la Haba mostly specialized in ancient archaeology. From the front jacket flap: "In 1888 Nansen crossed it [Greenland] from east to west with a single Lappland companion. Last year, fired by his account of the trip and their own adventurous nature, two young Norwegians decided to repeat the journey. With modern equipment they imagined it would be litt le more than an extended ski-trip. But in fact they only just survived, with little to spare in food or energy, and with only one of their sixteen huskies left. They set themselves a challenge and responded with spirit to its hazards and hardships. The story of their exploit is told here by its leader, Bjorn Staib, and illustrated with photographs by his companion, Bjorn Reese". A very interesting book enhanced by the two signatures & the reference to his upcoming North Pole expedition; an e xpedition that awakened in many others the drive to attempt it.
Item #21206 Price: US$185.00