K.14
Museum
Discovery Point
Date
1907-1909
Object Number
DUNIH 2008.52
Title

Aurora Australis

Object Category
British Antarctic Expedition 1907-1909 (Nimrod)
Object Name
Book
Description

From Ernest Shackleton's 1907-09 expedition to the Antarctic aboard the Nimrod. To ward off boredom during the winter of 1908, the party wrote, illustrated, printed and bound the Aurora Australis, the first book to be published in Antarctica. Problems were abundant as the cold caused the ink and plates to freeze.

The books were bound using broken up packing cases. It was a heavily illustrated publication with over one hundred and twenty pages of articles, poems and stories. It gives a fascinating insight into the daily life and experiences of the men on board.

The book was edited by Shackleton, illustrated with lithographs and etchings by George Marston (Artist), printed by Ernest Joyce (in charge of dogs, sledges and stores) and Frank Wild (in charge of provisions) and bound by Bernard Day (Electrician). 

Acquisition Number
K. 14
Method
Transfer from Maritime Trust
Location
On Display- Discovery Point (Heroes of the Ice 2)