Skip to main content
Advanced Search
The Voyage of the Discovery, volume two
The Voyage of the Discovery, volume two

The Voyage of the Discovery, volume two

Author (1868 - 1912)
Date1905
Object number00056358
NameBook
MediumPaper, plastic, string, cloth
DimensionsOverall (Book): 245 × 175 × 60 mm
Overall (Map): 406 × 526 mm
Overall (Bookmark): 185 × 33 mm
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift from Glenn Alfred Thorpe
Description‘Voyage of the Discovery’ by Robert Falcon Scott. Two volume first edition published by Smith, Elder, & Co, New York & London, 1905. Presented to Lyttelton harbour pilot Alfred Thorpe by Charles William Rawson Royds, First Lieutenant DISCOVERY on the British National Antarctic Expedition. HistoryThe British National Antarctic Expedition, organised by the Royal Geographical Society and led by Robert Falcon Scott, left Dundee in July 1901. In addition to a scientific programme, the expedition was also an attempt to reach the South Pole. Scott aimed to establish a base in McMurdo Sound, where scientists and sledging parties could make significant inroads into this unknown part of the world. The purpose built vessel was named DISCOVERY and its crew included Ernest Shackleton and Edward Adrian Wilson who would go on to have significant roles in further Antarctic expeditions. Naval officer and expedition leader Robert Falcon Scott published his account of the expedition in 1905. Volume reccounts the historic sledging journey made by Scott, Wilson and Shackleton which reached an unprecedented southern latitude. A second polar winter and further sledging exploits are also described.SignificanceThis collection of objects assembled by harbour pilot Alfred Thorpe highlights the importance of the port of Lyttleton in early 20th century Antarctic exploration and the role of pilots and harbour masters in supporting the crews and vessels sailing south. The collection not only illustrates the professional relationship between port staff and ships’ crews, but also the high degree of mutual respect the association engendered. The close working association between mariners and key maritime roles, such as pilot and harbour master, is apparent in this collection.