A fine copy of one of the rarest polar works. Following Shackleton's experience on the Scott expedition of 1901-4,and particularly his involvement in editing the South Polar Times, he realised the importance of providing a polar expedition with sufficient tasks to occupy themselves over the dark winter months. To this end when planning his own expedition to the South Pole, 1907-9, he brought with him a printing press, paper and necessary type and plate making equipment donated by J.Causton & Sons Ltd. Despite the cold and the cramped conditions of the hut at Cape Royds, around 100 copies were printed and bound in the antartic winter of 1908. The printers of the work Frank Wild and Ernest Joyce, had both taken a quick course in printing before their departure from England, and despite their inexperience after 3 weeks of practise were setting out and printing 2 pages a day. Most copies were inscribed and presented by members of the 15 man expedition to friends and relatives. This copy appears to be one of the few copies retained by Shackleton and not presented.