The Polar World by Dr. G. Hartwig | 1869 - Illustrated Arctic & Antarctic Exploration

2026-01-18T18:58:54-05:00

Price: 175.00

A richly illustrated 19th-century exploration classic, The Polar World offers a sweeping view of life, landscape, and survival in the Arctic and Antarctic regions as understood in the Victorian era. Written by Dr. G. Hartwig and published by Harper & Brothers in 1869, this substantial volume blends natural history, early ethnography, and accounts of exploration across Siberia, Greenland, Iceland, Alaska, Northern Canada, and the Antarctic seas.

The book is profusely illustrated throughout with over 160 engraving, many full-page, depicting Arctic wildlife, indigenous cultures, ice fields, volcanic landscapes, polar expeditions, and dramatic natural phenomena including scenes of walruses on ice, sled dogs, reindeer, northern birds, Inuit life, Icelandic geology, and polar seascapes.

Original blue cloth binding with gilt titling and decorative gilt pictorial stamping to the spine and front board. Notable tear to the spine cloth, though the fabric remains tight and the binding is tight/sound. Moderate edge and corner wear. Internally, the pages are clean and well-preserved for age. 486pp.

An impressive and immersive volume, ideal for collectors of polar exploration, natural history, Arctic studies, or illustrated Victorian travel literature.

Condition: Good + +

Size: 6 1/2” x 9 1/2”

A substantial illustrated exploration work that brings the the polar regions vividly to life.