DOCSLIB.ORG

The Life of Sir Ernest Shackleton CVO

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Life of Sir Ernest Shackleton CVO CO of % The Estate of the late John Brand le 7/ THE LIFE OF Sir ERNEST SHACKLETON BOOKS BY SIR ERNEST SHACKLETON THE HEART OF THE ANTARCTIC. Being the Story of the British Antarctic Expedition, 1907-1909. SOUTH. The Story of Shackleton's Last Expedition, 1914-1917. LONDON : WILLIAM HEINEMANN LTD. \ Phoio.\ \Speaight Ltd. Sir Ernest Shackleton, aged 40, with his Younger Son, aged 3. Frontispiece. ^ THE LIFE OF BiR ERNEST SHACKLETON C.V.O., O.B.E.(M/.), LL.D. BY HUGH ROBERT MILL Do your best, whether winning or losing it, If you choose to play ! —is my principle. Let a man contend to the uttermost For his life's set prize, be it what it will ! Robert Browning LONDON : WILLIAM HEINEMANN LTD. MCMXXIII f ^ . 1964 275^ ) ^5Mr 944918 MAPE ANU PRINTED IN UREAT BRITAIN TO THOSE WHO KNEW HIM BEST BECAUSE THEY LOVED HIM MOST PREFACE a life of a man of action may fitly be presented as THEcontinuous narrative of his doings, from which a reader may gain a clear sense of the personality and trace the growth of character. Shackleton's life as it ran on seems in retrospect to have passed through three periods now presented in three books : of the the first, Equipment for the Achievement the second ; third. Bafflement, which an unconquerable optimism saved from defeat. Each of the three periods includes a series of distinct but consequent experiences forming natural chapters. Such an arrangement leaves little room for generahties, and requires an Epilogue in which the essence of the life may be sublimed from the facts. With this plan in view I have tried to set out the life and strife of my old friend as a sort of moving picture, the scale of which varies in its different parts according to the importance of each to the life as a whole. The endeavour necessarily falls of ideal it I best to short the inspiring ; but have done my chronicle a life, and a whole Hfe, so far as this is possible, while observing such restraint and reticence as are demanded by regard for the feelings of others. I have had free access to all available records, including diaries and intimate correspondence, and I have consulted Lady Shackleton at every stage of the work, in which she has afforded me the most ungrudging help. This may thus be regarded as an authoritative and responsible biography. It is viii PREFACE right to add that my discretion has been unfettered both as to the facts dealt with and the manner of presenting them. When I first began to know Shackleton well, on board the Discovery, we were drawn together by a common love of the poetry which had so large a part in shaping his life. Now I find that this bond helps me to survey his career from a view- point that may almost be considered his own, and gives me courage for the effort to make worthy use of the wealth of material which Lady Shackleton's unreserved confidence and the voluntary help of many friends have placed in my hands. As a student of the history of polar discovery and as a geographer in personal touch with all the explorers of the last thirty-five years, I have been able to appreciate the work of Shackleton on his expeditions and to describe it with confidence and freedom ; but I have had Httle to do with the business world, and the ways of the City are mysterious to me, so that I could not enter with Uke sympathy and completeness into the commercial enterprises which Shackleton pursued from time to time with all the impetuous ardour of his nature. Nor have I been able to follow him in his social Hfe and relaxations when at home. I have satisfied myself as to the substantial accuracy of every statement of fact and of all quotations. Most of the chapter-mottoes were favourites with Shackleton, and they were not chosen at random. There have been some difl&culties as to dates, for both Shackleton and some of his correspondents often contented themselves with the day of the week, and when envelopes were preserved the post -marks were not always legible ; but the date of no important event referred to remains in doubt. The material for the first three chapters of Book I. I owe almost entirely to Sir Ernest Shackleton's mother and sisters, who lent me many early letters and confirmed doubtful points from their private diaries. I have, in particular, to thank PREFACE ix Miss Shackleton, Miss A, V. Shackleton, whose help was excep- this tionally important, and Miss Eleanor Shackleton for information. The dates and ports of call of the early voyages were not clear from the letters, and for setthng them I have to acknowledge the ready help of the officials of the Marine Depart- ment of the Board of Trade and of the Committee of Lloyds. Every chapter contains the names of friends who gave information which they alone could supply, or appreciations of Shackleton 's character which they had special opportunities a of observing : to all of these contributors, and to few who prefer to remain unnamed, I wish to convey my heartiest thanks, and those of Lady Shackleton, through whom many of them were received. If to some I must also offer apologies for having condensed or curtailed what they wrote, I feel sure that they will take into account my difficulties in deahng with a large subject under a space-limit. Finally, I must thank my wife, whose unfailing help alone made it possible for me to undertake this work or to bring it to completion. H. R. M. T6th December 1922. CONTENTS FA6B Preface ....•••• vii BOOK I. EQUIPMENT Chapter I. THE FAMILY AND THE FUTURE FIELD February 15, 1874—^The Yorkshire Shackletons—^The Shackletons of Ballitore : Abraham, Richard the Friend of Edmund Burke, Abraham the Second — The Shackleton Arms — Ebenezer Shackleton of Moone—Henry Shackleton the Father, and Henrietta Gavan the Mother of the Explorer—The Irish Descent through the Families of Gavan, Gary, and Fitzmaurice—Cook's Antarctic Voyage, 1 772-1 774—^The Voyages of Bellingshausen, 1820; Weddell, 1823; Biscoe, 1831 ; Balleny, 1839; Ross, 1840- 1843; and of H.M.S. Challenger, February 1874 . , 3 Chapter II. EARLY LIFE. 1 874-1 890 Childhood at Kilkea—^His First Penguin—Boyhood in Dublin— The Antarctic Tunnel—^Love of Funerals—^Youth in Syden- ham — Preparatory School and Dulwich CoUege — School Friends—Poor Scholars : Great Truants—^Trying to sign on— Success of the Last Term—Ready for Sea. • X 7 Chapter III. THE HOGHTON TOWER. 1 890-1 894 First Voyage round the Horn to Iquique with rating of Boy— Apprenticeship to North-Western Company—Second Voyage to Iquique—^Third Voyage round the Cape to India, thence to Mauritius, Australia, and Chile—Storms and Narrow Escapes —^An — — Adventure— at Tocapilla ^His Love of Letters Passes as Second Mate ^The Power of the Stars . • 30 Chapter IV. IN THE SHIRES AND CASTLES. 1 894-1 901 He astonishes a Ship-owner—Sails as Third Mate of Monmouthshire to the East—Attempts at Verse—Passes as First Mate—Sails as xii CONTENTS Second Mate of Flintshire to Japan and California—^Falls in Lov« —Passes as Master Mariner at Singapore—Begins to read Browning—^Wreck of the Flintshire—Joins Union Castle Line —Sails on Tantallon Castle as Fourth Ofl&cer—On Tintagel Castle as Third Officer—His First Book: O.H. M.S.—Meets Rudyard Kipling—^Becomes F.R.G.S.—^The Carishrooke Castle —Appointed on National Antarctic Expedition . -45 Chapter V. THE DISCOVERY, 1901-1903 Engaged to Miss Dorman—Joins R.N.R.—Sails as Third Officer of Discovery—^Winters in M'Murdo Sound—Edits South Polar Times—^Accompanies Scott to Farthest South—His Diary of the Journey—Breakdown from Scurvy—Invalided Home and arrives well—Determination to Go Back. '57 Chapter VI. SHORE JOBS. 1 903-1 906 In London as Sub-editor of Royal Magazine—First Public Lecture —Marriage—In Edinburgh as Secretary of Royal Scottish Geographical Society—Electrifjdng a Council—^Takes to Golf —^A Social Success—Birth of Son—Stands for Parliament at Dundee—^The Hecklers—State of the Poll—Resigns Secretary- ship—Joins Beardmore Firm at Glasgow—Commercizil Ventures and their Result—^Appreciation by Friends . .81 BOOK IL ACHIEVEMENT Chapter I. SHACKLETON ASPIRES. 1906-1907 Plans an Expedition to the South Pole—Birth of Daughter—^Tries to enlist Old Comrades—Learns of Scott's Plans—^The Promise as to Land Base — Change of Plans — Raises Funds by Guarantees—Bujrs the Nimrod—Completes Staff—^Novel Ideas for Stores and Transport—King Edward inspects Ship—Receives — . M.V.O. Travels to New Zealand and joins Nimrod . 103 Chapter II. THE NIMROD. 1908 Towed by Koonya to Antarctic Circle—Reaches the Ice Barrier and finds Balloon Bight gone—Effort to reach King Edward Land—^The Battle with the Ice—The Battle in his Mind— Forced to break a Promise—Lands at Cape Royds—Difficulties overcome—^The Ship departs . • 1 1 4 CONTENTS xiii Chapter III. SHACKLETON ATTAINS. 1908-1909 PAGE Autumn Sledging—Ascent of Mt. Erebus—Wintering at Cape Royds—Editing and Printing Aurora Australis—^The Motor-car —The Kinematograph—The Ponies—Spring Depot Journey —Selecting Companions for the Pole—Start with Three Men and Four Ponies—Hut Point—^The Barrier Surface—^Mount Hope—Discovery of Beardmore Glacier—Loss of Ponies—The i Ascent to the Plateau—The Last Outward March—88' 26' S. —The Great Race with Death—Starvation and Dysentery —Finding Last Depot through Mirage—Race for the Ship— Back to New Zealand .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 'Landscapes of Exploration' Education Pack
    Landscapes of Exploration February 11 – 31 March 2012 Peninsula Arts Gallery Education Pack Cover image courtesy of British Antarctic Survey Cover image: Launch of a radiosonde meteorological balloon by a scientist/meteorologist at Halley Research Station. Atmospheric scientists at Rothera and Halley Research Stations collect data about the atmosphere above Antarctica this is done by launching radiosonde meteorological balloons which have small sensors and a transmitter attached to them. The balloons are filled with helium and so rise high into the Antarctic atmosphere sampling the air and transmitting the data back to the station far below. A radiosonde meteorological balloon holds an impressive 2,000 litres of helium, giving it enough lift to climb for up to two hours. Helium is lighter than air and so causes the balloon to rise rapidly through the atmosphere, while the instruments beneath it sample all the required data and transmit the information back to the surface. - Permissions for information on radiosonde meteorological balloons kindly provided by British Antarctic Survey. For a full activity sheet on how scientists collect data from the air in Antarctica please visit the Discovering Antarctica website www.discoveringantarctica.org.uk and select resources www.discoveringantarctica.org.uk has been developed jointly by the Royal Geographical Society, with IBG0 and the British Antarctic Survey, with funding from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) supports geography in universities and schools, through expeditions and fieldwork and with the public and policy makers. Full details about the Society’s work, and how you can become a member, is available on www.rgs.org All activities in this handbook that are from www.discoveringantarctica.org.uk will be clearly identified.
    [Show full text]
  • The Spirit and the Gifts: Dako, Benjamin Morrell and Cargo in the Vitiaz Trading Area, New Guinea
    The Spirit and the Gifts: Dako, Benjamin Morrell and Cargo in the Vitiaz Trading area, New Guinea Jennifer Blythe McMaster University James Fairhead, University of Sussex ABSTRACT In 1830 an American trader, Benjamin Morrell, abducted Dako, the son of a prominent leader from Uneapa Island in the Bismarck Sea, took him to New York and, four years later, returned him to Uneapa. Dako‘s encounter with America and his return provides insight into the region half a century before colonization, and in particular into local mytho-practical knowledge at that time. This enables us to discern subsequent transformations. Myths concerning an origin spirit and guardian of the dead, Pango, which then dominated Uneapa cosmology have since ‗disappeared‘. This, we argue, is not because Pango has been superseded or suppressed, but because the parallel ‗white‘ world over which the mytho- practical Pango presided has become ever more manifest as Uneapa has been drawn into a colonial, post-colonial and globalised world. Today, Pango refers predominantly to white people. Islander‘s experience of American ‗Pango‘ was a shocking event at the time, but we show how trading with Pango established transformatory possibilities for reciprocal trading relations with the dead which remain the concern of today‘s Cult movement on the island. Cargo cult. Uneapa, Vitu Islands, mythology, first contact, Benjamin Morrell, Dako INTRODUCTION: THE MORRELL-DAKO EPISODE AS EVENTFUL HAPPENING Since Lawrence‘s (1964) classic study of a Melanesian ‗cargo cult‘, many writers have interpreted these movements as indigenous modes of engagement with super-ordinary beings and the dead, albeit transformed by colonial and post-colonial experience.
    [Show full text]
  • The Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition 1955-1958
    THE COMMONWEALTH TRANS-ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION 1955-1958 HOW THE CROSSING OF ANTARCTICA MOVED NEW ZEALAND TO RECOGNISE ITS ANTARCTIC HERITAGE AND TAKE AN EQUAL PLACE AMONG ANTARCTIC NATIONS A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree PhD - Doctor of Philosophy (Antarctic Studies – History) University of Canterbury Gateway Antarctica Stephen Walter Hicks 2015 Statement of Authority & Originality I certify that the work in this thesis has not been previously submitted for a degree nor has it been submitted as part of requirements for a degree except as fully acknowledged within the text. I also certify that the thesis has been written by me. Any help that I have received in my research and the preparation of the thesis itself has been acknowledged. In addition, I certify that all information sources and literature used are indicated in the thesis. Elements of material covered in Chapter 4 and 5 have been published in: Electronic version: Stephen Hicks, Bryan Storey, Philippa Mein-Smith, ‘Against All Odds: the birth of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition, 1955-1958’, Polar Record, Volume00,(0), pp.1-12, (2011), Cambridge University Press, 2011. Print version: Stephen Hicks, Bryan Storey, Philippa Mein-Smith, ‘Against All Odds: the birth of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition, 1955-1958’, Polar Record, Volume 49, Issue 1, pp. 50-61, Cambridge University Press, 2013 Signature of Candidate ________________________________ Table of Contents Foreword ..................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • A NEWS BULLETIN Published Quarterly by the NEW ZEALAND
    A N E W S B U L L E T I N p u b l i s h e d q u a r t e r l y b y t h e NEW ZEALAND ANTARCTIC SOCIETY THESE VISITORS TO LAKE FRYXELL IN THE TAYLOR VALLEY ARE LIKE DWARFS AGAINST THE TOWERING CANADA GLACIER WHICH FLOWS DOWN FROM THE ASGAARD RANGE. —Photo by R. K. McBride. Antarctic Division, D.S.I.R. September 1972 «i (Successor to "Antarctic News Bulletin") Vol. 6, No. 7 67th ISSUE Editor: H. F. GRIFFITHS, 14 Woodchester Avenue, Christchurch 1. Assistant Editor: J. M. CAFFIN, 35 Chepstow Avenue, Christchurch 5. Address all contributions, enquiries, etc., to the Editor. All Business Communications, Subscriptions, etc., to: The Secretary, New Zealand Antarctic Society, P.O. Box 1223, Christchurch, N.Z CONTENTS ARTICLES SECOND-IN-COMMAND POLAR ACTIVITIES NEW ZEALAND 222, 225, 231, 240, 243, 251, 253 U.S.A 226, 232, 252 AUSTRALIA 236 UNITED KINGDOM 234 U.S.S.R 238, 239, 241 SOUTH AFRICA 242, 250 CZECHOSLOVAKIA 235 SUB-ANTARCTIC CAMPBELL ISLAND GENERAL LONE TRIP TO POLE DISCOVERY EXPEDITION LETTERS WHALING QUOTAS FIXED ANTARCTIC BOOKSHELF Fifteen years have passed since the International Geophysical Year of 1957-58 and it might be thought that the Antarctic Continent, through the continuing research carried out by the participating nations, would by now have yielded up all its secrets. But this is a false premise; new discoveries in the various branches of science have either highlighted gaps in our knowledge or have pointed the way to investigation in new fields.
    [Show full text]
  • Scott's Discovery Expedition
    New Light on the British National Antarctic Expedition (Scott’s Discovery Expedition) 1901-1904. Andrew Atkin Graduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies (GCAS X), 2007/2008 CONTENTS 1 Preamble 1.1 The Canterbury connection……………...………………….…………4 1.2 Primary sources of note………………………………………..………4 1.3 Intent of this paper…………………………………………………...…5 2 Bernacchi’s road to Discovery 2.1 Maria Island to Melbourne………………………………….…….……6 2.2 “.…that unmitigated fraud ‘Borky’ ……………………….……..….….7 2.3 Legacies of the Southern Cross…………………………….…….…..8 2.4 Fellowship and Authorship………………………………...…..………9 2.5 Appointment to NAE………………………………………….……….10 2.6 From Potsdam to Christchurch…………………………….………...11 2.7 Return to Cape Adare……………………………………….….…….12 2.8 Arrival in Winter Quarters-establishing magnetic observatory…...13 2.9 The importance of status………………………….……………….…14 3 Deeds of “Derring Doe” 3.1 Objectives-conflicting agendas…………………….……………..….15 3.2 Chivalrous deeds…………………………………….……………..…16 3.3 Scientists as Heroes……………………………….…….……………19 3.4 Confused roles……………………………….……..………….…...…21 3.5 Fame or obscurity? ……………………………………..…...….……22 2 4 “Scarcely and Exhibition of Control” 4.1 Experiments……………………………………………………………27 4.2 “The Only Intelligent Transport” …………………………………….28 4.3 “… a blasphemous frame of mind”……………………………….…32 4.4 “… far from a picnic” …………………………………………………34 4.5 “Usual retine Work diggin out Boats”………...………………..……37 4.6 Equipment…………………………………………………….……….38 4.8 Reflections on management…………………………………….…..39 5 “Walking to Christchurch” 5.1 Naval routines………………………………………………………….43
    [Show full text]
  • Representations of Antarctic Exploration by Lesser Known Heroic Era Photographers
    Filtering ‘ways of seeing’ through their lenses: representations of Antarctic exploration by lesser known Heroic Era photographers. Patricia Margaret Millar B.A. (1972), B.Ed. (Hons) (1999), Ph.D. (Ed.) (2005), B.Ant.Stud. (Hons) (2009) Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science – Social Sciences. University of Tasmania 2013 This thesis contains no material which has been accepted for a degree or diploma by the University or any other institution, except by way of background information and duly acknowledged in the thesis, and to the best of my knowledge and belief no material previously published or written by another person except where due acknowledgement is made in the text of the thesis. ………………………………….. ………………….. Patricia Margaret Millar Date This thesis may be made available for loan and limited copying in accordance with the Copyright Act 1968. ………………………………….. ………………….. Patricia Margaret Millar Date ii Abstract Photographers made a major contribution to the recording of the Heroic Era of Antarctic exploration. By far the best known photographers were the professionals, Herbert Ponting and Frank Hurley, hired to photograph British and Australasian expeditions. But a great number of photographs were also taken on Belgian, German, Swedish, French, Norwegian and Japanese expeditions. These were taken by amateurs, sometimes designated official photographers, often scientists recording their research. Apart from a few Pole-reaching images from the Norwegian expedition, these lesser known expedition photographers and their work seldom feature in the scholarly literature on the Heroic Era, but they, too, have their importance. They played a vital role in the growing understanding and advancement of Antarctic science; they provided visual evidence of their nation’s determination to penetrate the polar unknown; and they played a formative role in public perceptions of Antarctic geopolitics.
    [Show full text]
  • The Weddell Sea: an Historical Retrospect Dr
    This article was downloaded by: [University of New England] On: 22 January 2015, At: 04:23 Publisher: Routledge Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK Scottish Geographical Magazine Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rsgj19 The Weddell Sea: An historical retrospect Dr. Wm.S. Bruce Published online: 30 Jan 2008. To cite this article: Dr. Wm.S. Bruce (1917) The Weddell Sea: An historical retrospect, Scottish Geographical Magazine, 33:6, 241-258, DOI: 10.1080/14702541708554307 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14702541708554307 PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes.
    [Show full text]
  • JOURNAL Number Six
    THE JAMES CAIRD SOCIETY JOURNAL Number Six Antarctic Exploration Sir Ernest Shackleton MARCH 2012 1 Shackleton and a friend (Oliver Locker Lampson) in Cromer, c.1910. Image courtesy of Cromer Museum. 2 The James Caird Society Journal – Number Six March 2012 The Centennial season has arrived. Having celebrated Shackleton’s British Antarctic (Nimrod) Expedition, courtesy of the ‘Matrix Shackleton Centenary Expedition’, in 2008/9, we now turn our attention to the events of 1910/12. This was a period when 3 very extraordinary and ambitious men (Amundsen, Scott and Mawson) headed south, to a mixture of acclaim and tragedy. A little later (in 2014) we will be celebrating Sir Ernest’s ‘crowning glory’ –the Centenary of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic (Endurance) Expedition 1914/17. Shackleton failed in his main objective (to be the first to cross from one side of Antarctica to the other). He even failed to commence his land journey from the Weddell Sea coast to Ross Island. However, the rescue of his entire team from the ice and extreme cold (made possible by the remarkable voyage of the James Caird and the first crossing of South Georgia’s interior) was a remarkable feat and is the reason why most of us revere our polar hero and choose to be members of this Society. For all the alleged shenanigans between Scott and Shackleton, it would be a travesty if ‘Number Six’ failed to honour Captain Scott’s remarkable achievements - in particular, the important geographical and scientific work carried out on the Discovery and Terra Nova expeditions (1901-3 and 1910-12 respectively).
    [Show full text]
  • Silas Enoch Burrows and the Search for Sir John Franklin
    Silas Enoch Burrows and the Search for Sir John Franklin Douglas Wamsley Silas Enoch Burrows (1794-1830), a Stonington-born merchant, established a successful international shipping business operating from the cities of New York, San Francisco, Hong Kong and Montevideo among others. With his financial success, he became known for his generous charitable acts and, as a man of the sea, he took a particular interest in the aid of shipwrecked mariners. After Sir John Franklin’s expedition ships HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were lost in the Arctic, Burrows befriended Lady Jane Franklin, the missing navigator’s wife, who was determined to ascertain the fate of her missing husband and his crew. Through the public and private relationships established by Burrows over the years, Burrows managed to assist Lady Franklin in a meaningful way in obtaining assistance in the search for her husband. This article examines circumstances that led to the involvement of Silas Burrows in the search for Sir John Franklin and his efforts on behalf of Lady Franklin. ____________________________________________________________________________ The protracted and frustrating search for the missing Arctic expedition commanded by the British explorer Sir John Franklin in the mid-19th century captured international attention. With the recent discovery of Sir John Franklin’s ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, there has been a renewed interest in the expedition’s fate. Franklin’s ships departed England in May 1845 to much fanfare. After no word had been received from the expedition by 1849, Lady Jane Franklin, the lost explorer’s wife, made an impassioned appeal directly to President Zachary Taylor seeking the assistance of the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • The Centenary of the Scott Expedition to Antarctica and of the United Kingdom’S Enduring Scientific Legacy and Ongoing Presence There”
    Debate on 18 October: Scott Expedition to Antarctica and Scientific Legacy This Library Note provides background reading for the debate to be held on Thursday, 18 October: “the centenary of the Scott Expedition to Antarctica and of the United Kingdom’s enduring scientific legacy and ongoing presence there” The Note provides information on Antarctica’s geography and environment; provides a history of its exploration; outlines the international agreements that govern the territory; and summarises international scientific cooperation and the UK’s continuing role and presence. Ian Cruse 15 October 2012 LLN 2012/034 House of Lords Library Notes are compiled for the benefit of Members of the House of Lords and their personal staff, to provide impartial, politically balanced briefing on subjects likely to be of interest to Members of the Lords. Authors are available to discuss the contents of the Notes with the Members and their staff but cannot advise members of the general public. Any comments on Library Notes should be sent to the Head of Research Services, House of Lords Library, London SW1A 0PW or emailed to [email protected]. Table of Contents 1.1 Geophysics of Antarctica ....................................................................................... 1 1.2 Environmental Concerns about the Antarctic ......................................................... 2 2.1 Britain’s Early Interest in the Antarctic .................................................................... 4 2.2 Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration .......................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Southward an Analysis of the Literary Productions of the Discovery and Nimrod Expeditions to Antarctica
    Corso di Laurea magistrale (ordinamento ex D.M. 270/2004) In LLEAP – Lingue e Letterature Europee, Americane e Postcoloniali Tesi di Laurea Southward An analysis of the literary productions of the Discovery and Nimrod Expeditions to Antarctica. Relatore Ch. Prof. Emma Sdegno Laureando Monica Stragliotto Matricola 820667 Anno Accademico 2012 / 2013 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 3 Chapter I The History of Explorations in Antarctica 8 Chapter II Outstanding Men, Outstanding Deeds 31 Chapter III Antarctic Journals: the Models 46 Chapter IV Antarctic Journals: Scott’s Odyssey and Shackleton’s Personal Attempt 70 Chapter V The South Polar Times and Aurora Australis: Antarctic Literary Productions 107 CONCLUSION 129 BIBLIOGRAPHY 134 2 INTRODUCTION When we think about Antarctica, we cannot help thinking of names such as Roald Admunsen, Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton. These names represented the greatest demonstration of human endurance and courage in exploration and they still preserve these features today. The South Pole represented an unspoilt, unknown, unexplored area for a long time, and all the Nations competed fiercely to be the first to reach the geographical South Pole. England, which displays a great history of exploration, contributed massively to the rush to the Antarctic especially in the first decade of the 20th century. The long years spent in the Antarctic by the British explorers left a priceless inheritance. First of all, the scientific fields such as meteorology, geology and zoology were tellingly improved. The study of the ice sheet allowed the scientists of the time to partly explain the phenomenon of glaciations. In addition, magnetism was still a new field to be explored and the study of phenomena such as the aurora australis and the magnetic pole as a moving spot1 were great discoveries that still influence our present knowledge.
    [Show full text]
  • William Reese Company Americana ● Rare Books ● Literature
    William Reese Company AMERICANA ● RARE BOOKS ● LITERATURE AMERICAN ART ● PHOTOGRAPHY __________ 409 TEMPLE STREET NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT 06511 (203) 789-8081 FAX (203) 865-7653 [email protected] www.williamreesecompany.com California Antiquarian Book Fair 2018 Presentation Copy from the Former President 1. Adams, John Quincy: ORATION ON THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF GILBERT MOTIER DE LAFAYETTE. DELIVERED AT THE REQUEST OF BOTH HOUSES OF THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, BEFORE THEM, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT WASHINGTON, ON THE 31st DECEMBER, 1834. Washington: Printed by Gales and Seaton, 1835. 94pp. Contemporary red straight-grained morocco, ruled in gilt. Extremities lightly rubbed. Internally clean. Fine. In a red half morocco and cloth box. A presentation copy of Adams’ speech honoring the memory of Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette. Though not inscribed, this copy is in a presentation binding of red straight-grained morocco, of the sort favored by the Adams family for decades, and is printed on thick paper. John Quincy Adams devoted his entire career to government service. The son of President John Adams, he himself served as the sixth president, as a U.S. Senator from 1803 to 1808, as Secretary of State from 1817 to 1825, and in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1831 until his death in the U.S. Capitol in 1848. Moses Mason, Jr. (1789-1866) was born in Dublin, New Hampshire, and moved with his family to Maine when he was about ten years of age. He studied medicine and practiced it in Maine, and also held a number of local civil service positions.
    [Show full text]