やまとゆきはら: 白瀬南極探検隊
Yamato Yukihara Shirase Nankiyoku Tankei-tai
Yamato Snow Plain in Antarctica — Shirase’s Expedition Story

Text and illustrations by Sekiya Toshitaka

Tokyo: Fukuinkan Shoten. 31 October 2002, First Edition. 26.6 cm. pp. 1, 71 text, [1], 1. Numerous watercolor renderings throughout with black-and-white drawings and photographic illustrations on the last 6 pages of text. Illustrated Hardcover boards and Dust-jacket with identical illustrations. Fine Condition.—Ross 2.13.1

A very well illustrated and engaging account of Shirase’s expedition. Although the text is in Japanese, the water color illustrations are very effective at communicating several significant aspects of the Japanese Antarctic Expedition to include preparation, equipment and food, departure, journeys on ship and on land, conditions onboard ship and on the Antarctic continent, their voyages South and back, and especially the tragic story and unique role the dogs played during the expedition.

As an example of the informative watercolors, the images shown inside the foldout demonstrate the moving story of the crew’s love for the dogs and their unfortunate death during the first voyage South. Only one dog survived the first leg of the journey. Those who died were carefully wrapped in cloth and buried at sea. Much to the pain of the crew, the dogs were quickly consumed by sharks upon entering the sea.

$85.00 -