O.H.M.S. An Illustrated Record of the Voyage of S.S. "Tintagel Castle", W. McLean and E.H. Shackleton, 1900 - Shackleton's first book
"Troopin', Troopin', Troopin' to the Sea: "O.H.M.S." An Illustrated Record of the Voyage of S.S. "Tintagel Castle", Conveying Twelve Hundred Soldiers from Southampton to Cape Town March 1900. Recorded and Illustrated by W. McLean (Surgeon) and E.H. Shackleton (Third Officer), 1900.
An important work - Shackleton's first book. After the outbreak of the South African War, Shackleton served as third officer on the S.S. Tintagel carrying troops to the Cape. On his journey Shackleton collaborated with the Ship's Surgeon, Dr. W. McLean to write this book. It was in effect self-published by the men as Shackleton secured more than 2,000 advance subscriptions for the book, and after arriving back in England he and Dr. MacLean oversaw the book's publication.
The voyage was also instrumental in him meeting Lieutenant Cedric Longstaff, who recommended him for the Discovery expedition to Antarctica, leading to the historic events that would follow.
Published by Simpkin Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co., Limited, 1900. First edition, first impression.
A slim hardback volume with printed paper over boards. Covers with mild scuffing and wear. This publication suffered from low quality binding and is usually found in fairly poor condition, but this copy has had the spine professionally reinforced with cloth and the text pages restitched and secured. The remains of vertical sellotape strengthening are visible to the rear vertical edge of the spine.
The text itself is in very good condition - bright and clear with minimal age discoloration. No owner's inscriptions. The glossy paper used is free from any of the adhesions which can often be found with this type of paper, and presents very nicely indeed. Illustrated profusely throughout.
An uncommon find - the surviving copies often reside within private and public collections and do not often appear for sale.
Text in English.
60pp.
Dimensions: Approximately 289mm high x 199mm wide x 10mm deep.
Weight approximately 390g (unpacked).