First edition copies of the Arctic Blue Books, the most important primary source for Arctic studies, have sold at Bonhams' Northwest American and the Arctic, including the Library of Dr William Preister auction.
 The Arctic Blue Books are valued as they give frank and honest descriptions of notable voyages, unlike the bragging reports published by the explorers themselves |
The books crossed the block in New York on June 25, selling for $68,500 - a 14.1% increase on the $60,000.
They are a compilation of British parliamentary papers that chart the history of exploration in the Arctic, including detailed reports and drawings from the Franklin expedition, about which very little is known.
Considered the broadest and most important books of their kind, this is one of the most comprehensive runs ever brought to auction. It comprises 42 articles bound in six volumes.
Paul Fraser Collectibles is currently offering a superb and personal handwritten letter from Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton to his wife.
