Arctic Explorations: The Second Grinnell Expedition In Search of Sir John Franklin 1853 '54 '55 (Two Volume Set)

Philadelphia, PA: Childs and Peterson, 1856. 464pp/illus/maps, 467pp/illus/maps. Letterpress title-page in each volume. Large folding lithographed map (some spotting at edges), two full-page maps, engraved frontispiece portrait in each volume, additional engraved title-page in each volume, 18 engraved plates with tissue guards and numerous wood-engravings in the text throughout (light spotting on edges of some). As ship's surgeon Kane had accompanied the first American expedition to search for missing British explorer Sir John Franklin in 1850. "Kane quickly impressed British explorers with his intelligence and traveling experience. In August 1850 the fleet located Franklin's first winter base on Beechey Island, along with the graves of three of Franklin's men. Further searches by the Advance failed to locate Franklin's expedition. The Advance returned to the United States in September 1851. Kane's belief that Franklin might have gone further north persuaded Grinnell and the U.S. Navy to support a second expedition to search for the lost. Previous owner signature dated 1858 on ffep. Original dark brown cloth, decorated in gilt and blind. Overall tight and clean.. 1st Edition. Cloth. Very Good+/No Jacket - Issued. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.