A World of Men, Exploration In Antarctica Inscribed by Wally Herbert

Herbert, Wally

£145.00

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A World of Men, Exploration In Antarctica Inscribed by Wally Herbert

Published by Eyre & Spottiswoode, London, UK, 1968. First edition. Original cloth gilt. Dustwrapper. Size: 15cm x 22.7cm. pp. 232. Described by Sir Ranulph Fiennes as ‘the greatest polar explorer of our time’, this work recounts his life (at that point) in the exploration of the poles. Herbert would go on to be the first man to be fully-recognised for walking to the north pole a year later on the 60th Anniversary of Robert Peary’s disputed expedition. Illustrated with his own photographs, this copy is inscribed ‘To Des – Spitsbergen ‘98’. Map in rear pocket in fine condition. Slight mark to front board else a near fine, tight, bright, clean copy in near fine, slightly creased dustwrapper in fine wraparound band. Scarce thus and a very nice copy indeed.

Wally Herbert: A Short Biography

Wally Herbert (1934–2007) was a British polar explorer, artist, and author, widely regarded as one of the greatest polar explorers of the 20th century. His achievements in exploration, particularly in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, have earned him a prominent place in the history of polar exploration.

Early Life and Education

Born: October 24, 1934, in York, England.
Early Years: Herbert was raised in various locations due to his father’s military career. His fascination with exploration and adventure began in his youth, influenced by the works of explorers like Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott.

Polar Exploration Career

Military Service: After serving in the British Army, Herbert joined the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey (later the British Antarctic Survey) in 1955. This marked the beginning of his career as a polar explorer.
Antarctic Expeditions: During the late 1950s, Herbert conducted extensive explorations in Antarctica, contributing valuable geographical and scientific knowledge to the understanding of the region.
Trans-Arctic Expedition: Herbert is best known for leading the British Trans-Arctic Expedition from 1968 to 1969, during which he became the first person to cross the Arctic Ocean via the North Pole on foot. The 3,800-mile journey, which took 16 months, was a monumental feat of endurance and determination, and it solidified his reputation as a leading explorer.
Controversy Over the North Pole: Herbert’s team was the first to indisputably reach the North Pole by surface travel. His journey cast doubt on the claims of earlier explorers like Frederick Cook and Robert Peary, who had claimed to reach the pole in the early 20th century.

Later Life and Legacy

Authorship and Art: After his expeditions, Herbert became a prolific author, writing several books about his experiences, including “Across the Top of the World” and “The Noose of Laurels.” He was also an accomplished artist, creating works inspired by the polar landscapes he had explored.
Honours and Recognition: Herbert received numerous awards and honours for his contributions to exploration, including the Polar Medal and a knighthood in 2000. His work greatly expanded the understanding of polar regions and inspired future generations of explorers.
Death: Wally Herbert passed away on June 12, 2007, in Inverness, Scotland.

Significance

Wally Herbert’s legacy as a polar explorer is marked by his incredible achievements in some of the most inhospitable environments on Earth. His pioneering spirit, combined with his contributions to polar science and exploration, have left an indelible mark on the history of exploration.

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