signed first edition
1931 · New York
by Gould, Laurence McKinley
New York: Brewer, Warren & Putnam, 1931. First Edition. Near Fine/Very Good. David Paige, painter. Signed [8.75x6in]; ix, 275 pp., 47 illustrations from photographs, two folding maps, two color illustrations by David Paige; light blue cloth cover with white lettering on front and spine, blue toned image of sledge team and skiers on end papers, top edge light blue dye; Blue cream toned dust jacket with darker blue lettering on front and spine and toned image of field camp scene on front and rear; Later dated inscription signed by author on front end paper, tear at bottom of page 123; Shelf wear to dust jacket on all edges and chips on top edge, top and bottom of spine, spine slightly darken. [Conrad p. 253, Spence 517, Taurus 115]. Laurence McKinley Gould (1896-1995) was a geologist, professor, and polar explorer. In the 1920's he was part of a Greenland and Baffin Island expeditions. Richard Byrd selected him as the chief scientist and second in command of the first Little America Antarctic expedition, 1928-1930. This book is about the 2 1/5 month and 1,500 mile sledge journey to the Queen Maud Mountains. This was to provide support for Byrd's flight to the South Pole. Gould's geological discoveries during that journey were important to link Antarctica to the other continents. He returned to teach and stay involved with geological studies of the world. (Inventory #: 11273)