* BELCHER, Edward, Sir (1799-1877). The Last of the Arctic Voyages; Being a Narrative of the Expedition of H.M.S. 'Assistance' ... in Search of Sir John Franklin...1852-53-54. London: L. Reeve, 1855.

2 volumes, 8vo (254 x 158 mm). Lithographed frontispiece, 36 chromolithographed plates, 4 maps (3 folding. 2 in rear cover pocket). Publisher's blind-stamped blue cloth gilt (rebacked by Zaehnsdorf preserving original spines).

FIRST EDITION. Belcher's 1852-54 expedition in search of Franklin would be the last official British attempt. On the HMS Assistance, Belcher successfully navigated through the Wellington Channel, but beset by ice was unable to return to Lancaster Sound and was forced to abandon the ship. This account of the expedition also includes several essays on the natural history of the region by Richardson, Owen, Bell, Salter and Reeve.

A SUPERB ASSOCIATION COPY INSCRIBED BY VILHJALMUR STEFANSSON to John Weaver. Stefansson, a Canadian Arctic explorer and ethnologist, organized and directed the Canadian Arctic Expedition of 1913-1916 to explore the regions west of Parry Archipelago for the Canadian Government. He was President of the Explorer's Club from 1919-1922 and 1937-1939. Abbey Travel 645; Arctic Bibliography 1241; Books on Ice 5.8a; Hill 106; Sabin 4389; TPL 3409.

Provenance: Vilhjalmur Stefansson (gift inscription to); John Weaver.