"I recently ran into a situation in which The Antarctic Circle might be of assistance to the community. I happened to have acquired, years ago, an orphaned Volume 2 of Douglas Mawson's Home of the Blizzard, the Lippincott 1st edition, in near-fine condition. I was seeking to sell it recently to free up some shelf space. While I did eventually find a buyer, it was very much a long, lucky shot, and it made me aware that ABE and Biblio don't really cater to the sellers of orphaned volumes. Book dealers don't want them either. This probably leads to orphaned volumes of multi-book sets being discarded or broken up for the maps and illustrations—a sad fate. This is where The Antarctic Circle comes in. As a non-commercial, widely respected site, perhaps The Antarctic Circle could add a small subsection where owners of broken sets could list what they have, and what they are seeking—and whether they are trying to buy, sell, or either. Their posting could be left up for six months, a year, or indefinitely. The list could be pruned by date if it begins to get long." It seems like a useful idea, so let's give it a go. I have no orphans left but perhaps you do. Send me the relevant information and I'll include it here. People can leave their listings in this way: 1) List the volume you have, with edition (US, UK or whatever), condition (good, very good, near fine) and other attributes (1st edition, signed, etc). 2) Do you want to buy to complete a set, or sell your volume? 3) Leave an email where you can be contacted, which will allow you and a correspondent to swap photos of volumes. 4) Date your request.• A recent e-mail asked about vol II of The South Polar Times. "… would very much appreciate it if you would send us any leads you might have to the South Polar Times. We purchased Volumes I and III at a Christie's auction, and are missing Vol. II. We might have to auction off our two and acquire a full set, but whatever is possible, do let us know."
• Peter Spielmann writes: Seeking to purchase volumes 3, 4 and 5 of Charles Wilkes' "Narrative of the United States Exploring Expedition, During the Years 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842" -- specifically, the Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard edition of 1845, the 3rd issue of the "Narrative" overall. (Haskell 17B; Rosove 353.B1.) I'm looking for the deep brown/green/khaki-bound edition, with gilt title on the spine and the gilt 'eagle on shield' emblem on the cover, in good to very good condition, i.e. not water-stained or falling apart.
I have vols. 1 & 2 and the atlas, so I know there must be some vols. 3-5 out there somewhere. Contact me at peterjamesspielmann@gmail.com