Aurora Australis - Antarctica's First Book

Antarctic history was made in 1908 with the first book ever to be written, printed and published in Antarctica. It was created under harsh conditions at the British Antarctic Expedition quarters during the unforgiving winter months of 1908. It was aptly named Aurora Australis.

 > View pages from Aurora Australis

Struggle for the Broom, detail from Aurora Australis, 1908, by George Marston    Lithograph   Q989.8A

Although it was designed mainly for presentation to members and friends of Shackleton's expedition, the concept, design and presswork are of an exceptionably high standard, with lithographs and etchings by G. Marston, and edited by Shackleton himself. It was printed at the Sign of the Penguins by Joyce and Wild, 1908.