THE SOUTH POLAR TIMES 1902-1911. Centenary Edition. Three Volumes. [together with;] Volume IV. [SCOTT, Robert Falcon, et al.] Published by London: Orskey - Bonham - Niner; Scott Polar Research Institute - Bonham. & 2010, 2002 Four volumes. Quarto. Limited edition. Publisher's original blue cloth with titles in gilt to the upper boards and spines and mounted colour illustrations within gilt borders to the upper boards. Blue silk page-markers. Profusely illustrated throughout in colour and black and white. A fine set, the bindings square, firm and bright, the contents immaculate throughout. The first three volumes were originally published 1907-14, this facsimile offered in a numbered edition of 350 (this being number 61). The fourth volume was never previously published, this being copy 61 of an edition of 500. (Rare to find a set with the fourth volume) The South Polar Times was originally produced to relieve the boredom of the cold, dark winter nights and raise the spirits of the men on board. In addition to its essays on seals, whales and penguins, therefore, there are also comic poems, puzzles, stories and cartoons. Scott's comments in the preface to the first published edition, written in 1907, seems to indicate that the journal achieved its goal: "I can see again a row of heads bent over a fresh monthly number to scan the latest efforts of out artists, and I can hear the hearty laughter at the sallies of our humorists and the general chaff when some sly allusion found its way home". A key contributor of these illustrations was the chief of scientific staff, Edward Wilson, who was an experienced artist. Wilson's notable roles on the expeditions was that of junior surgeon and zoologist. The extent of his artistry is exemplified by the fact that Wilson's created over two hundred sketches that feature in the South Polar Times. The scientific findings that are dispersed throughout the South Polar Times are reflective of the substantial contributions the expeditions made to meteorology, magnetism, geology and biology. Further, of all the 400 total pages on such content, almost every text is accompanied by an illustration. The South Polar Times has been described as a literary work that has never been equalled in similar conditions. A handsomely produced edition, offering an intimate insight into Scott's legendary expeditions. A Seminal and iconic Antarctica work. Further details and images for any of the items listed are available on request. Direct orders welcome.