The Voyage of the 'Discovery'

Smith Elder, 1905, 2 vols, large 8vo, (250 x 180mm) Original Publisher’s Blue Cloth with gilt medallions on sides, photogravure frontispieces, numerous maps and plates (including 12 coloured reproductions after Dr. Wilson), a folding map in pocket at the end of each volume, with the publisher’s slip tipped into volume 1, slight crease on spine of vol.1, preserved in purpose-made solander box

IMPORTANT AUTHOR’S PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED TO ONE OF THE HEROES OF THE INDIAN MUTINY,  “To Sir Dighton Probyn with the Compliments of the Author Robt. F Scott, Nov 1905 on the half title of volume One, and with the Flourishing Initial P for Probyn in Gold Ink on the Endpaper of each volume.

The official account of Scott’s first expedition and one of the great works of

exploration literature. The British Nation Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04 was primarily a scientific and surveying expedition aimed at re-establishing the British Navy at the forefront of Polar exploration. Scott’s Discovery expedition was the first detailed and truly elaborate scientific exploration of the continent and set a high standard of achievement for the expeditions that followed. The fine coloured plates are after watercolours by Edward Wilson.

Probyn was 24 years old, and a captain in the 2nd Punjab Cavalry, Bengal Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deeds took place for which he was awarded the VC:

Has been distinguished for gallantry and daring throughout this campaign. At the battle of Agra, when his squadron charged the rebel infantry, he was some time separated from his men, and surrounded by five or six sepoys. He defended himself from the various cuts made at him, and before his own men had joined him had cut down two of his assailants. At another time, in single combat with a sepoy, he was wounded in the wrist, by the bayonet, and his horse also was slightly wounded; but, though the sepoy fought desperately, he cut him down. The same day he singled out a standard bearer, and, in the presence of a number of the enemy, killed him and captured the standard. These are only a few of the gallant deeds of this brave young officer.

Provenance:General Sir Dighton Macnaghte Probyn,VC, GCB, GCSI, GCVO, ISO

Conrad, p.121; Rosove 286; Spence 1051; Taurus 41