A first edition of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s book ‘SOUTH’, signed by Frank Wild, is to be auctioned by Lyon & Turnbull with an estimate of £1,000-£1,500.
SOUTH is the story of Shackleton’s last Expedition 1914-1917 when he attempted to cross the Antarctic by land.
His ship, the Endurance, became trapped in ice and sank, with the 27 crew members all surviving and reaching Elephant Island in lifeboats.
Shackleton and five men then embarked on a 800 mile boat journey to South Georgia to get help, a 16 day passage across freezing seas, followed by a 40 mile trek over icy -ground. A journey during which three of the men died,
The book is signed and inscribed by Frank Wild who was Shackleton’s second-in-command.
Wild has written:
'To Vince, from those who appreciate his worth & villanies, Frank Wild'.
The recipient of the book is believed to have been John Vincent who served as bosun on the James Caird on the journey to South Georgia when Wild was left in command of the remaining 20 men on Elephant Island.
The book is also signed by James McIlroy the expedition’s surgeon.
Dominic Somerville-Brown of Lyon & Turnbull describes the book as “an amazing piece of history”.
Full details at Lyon & Turnbull.
Interest in Sir Ernest Shackleton memorabilia is at an all time high following the discovery of the Endurance in March 2022.
In May 2022 a 5ft x 3ft map of Antarctica which had been hand-drawn and signed by Ernest Shackleton, and used by him on his lecture tours, sold for £70,000.
One of the most incredible pieces of memorabilia from the expedition is a photograph, taken by Frank Hurley the official expedition photographer.
The photo shows the crew launching the James Caird at the start of their journey to South Georgia, the mount of the photo having been signed and inscribed by Sir Ernest Shackleton.
The photo sold for £21,600 at Bonhams in May 2011.