With the Aurora in the Antarctic 1911–1914 - John K Davis

COLLECTABLE AND RARE EDITION

With a new introduction by Beau Riffenburgh

Douglas Mawson who led the Australian Antarctic Expedition 1911–14, called it a stirring tale of exploration in what he referred to as ‘The Home of the Blizzard’. This expedition is well documented but much less well known is the story of the expedition’s ship, the Aurora, and its remarkable captain – John King Davis. Both Davis and Mawson cut their Antarctic teeth as members of Shackleton’s expedition of 1907–09 and, by the time he retired, Davis was one of the most experienced ice captains in the world. The Aurora was built in 1876 as an Arctic whaler. Although old and battered, captained by Davis it managed three Antarctic voyages in support of Mawson and his men. Known as ‘Gloomy Davis’ by his crew, he was a reticent man of principle and determination. His view of the captain’s role brought him into direct conflict with Mawson, with inevitable tensions for the expedition. Yet both men were crucial to the success of the expedition, both in terms of exploration and science.

Published in a small edition in 1919 it is now very scarce and we are delighted to be able to re-publish, in facsimile form, the original account of the ship’s exploits. The introduction by the well-known polar historian Beau Riffenburgh provides an excellent overview of both Davis and the expedition. This is a companion volume to our earlier book Trial by Ice – the Antarctic Journals of John King Davis, edited by Louise Crossley.

312pp + 1 fold-out map (includes 83 illustrations) hardback, blocked in gold on front and spine.