The True Record of the Antarctic Expedition

By Tada, Keiichi

Tokyo: Kainan Shuppan Kyokai. 1st Edition, 1958. 18.2 cm. pp. 2, 206 text, [1], (3). 6 full-page black-and-white photos on satin-gloss white paper; printed on paper stock with a strong tendency for turning brown evenly. Pictorial stiff paper boards with image of the “Kainan-Maru” on front cover in black with black lettering; back cover with drawing of penguin signed by Tada in the illustration; spine lettering in black. No prior ownership markings. Typical browning to paper stock used, no tears or folds – a complete copy. Ross 1.9.1 Rare.

Tada was looked upon as Shirase’s “right hand man” and served as the JAE secretary, but ultimately, he and Shirase came to odds and Tada jumped shipped during the JAE’s return in 1912. Tada quickly made it back to Tokyo and published two accounts (Ross 1.21. & Ross 1.3.1) before Shirase’s official account was published.

Tada went on to establish Kainan Tanken Kyokai — Kainan Exploration Society (”Kainan” translates “Develop the Antarctic”) to re-attempt the Japanese Antarctic Expedition. Unlike Shirase, Tada had won the support of the Japanese government, and he organized an expeditionary party. That was in 1940, so Tada could not follow-through because of World War II.

Tada died in 1959 after having published five books. Three are narratives, including this publication, directly related to the Japanese Antarctic Expedition 1910-1912, one is this autobiography, and one is his records of exploration in Borneo. This is Tada’s final publication related to the Japanese Antarctic Expedition of 1910-1912 and the last first-person narrative written about the JAE expedition.

$2400.00 -