For your consideration is "Farthest North" by Fridjtof Nansen, Volume I, copyright 1897 published 1898, Harper & Brothers. The Nobel Laureate's account of his three-year long expedition. In 1893 Fridtjof Nansen set sail for the North Pole in the Fram, a ship specially designed to be frozen into the polar ice cap, withstand its crushing pressures, and so drift North. Given up for dead, he traveled 146 miles farther north than anyone else in the past four hundred years. Fridjtof Nansen (1861–1930) was an Arctic explorer, scientist, diplomat, and humanitarian. Volume I is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work details the record of an exploratory voyage of the ship "Fram" from 1893 to 1896, alongside a lengthy sleigh journey undertaken by Nansen and Lieutenant Johansen. The book covers themes of adventure, exploration, and the challenges faced in the polar regions, emphasizing the human spirit's quest for knowledge. At the start of the narrative, Nansen sets the stage for his ambitious expedition into the Arctic, reflecting on the historical attempts to reach the North Pole and the motivations behind such endeavors. He discusses the enduring mystery and allure of the icy landscapes, acknowledging the sacrifices made by earlier explorers. The opening chapter captures the essence of human curiosity and resilience, introducing the reader to Nansen's plans for the journey, the construction and outfitting of the Fram, and the accompanying challenges and hopes for scientific discovery amidst the unknowns of the Arctic wilderness. The green cloth bound gold and silver gilt stamped illustrated hardcover is in nice condition, scuffing noted to cover edges, loose spine. Intact gold gilt top edge, bottom and fore edge deckled pages exhibit age tanning and foxing. Measures 6.5"W x 9.625"L x 1.75"D, weight is 3lb, 12oz.