The Log of the Scotia Expedition, 1902-4.

First Edition of the narrative of the 1902-04 Scotia Expedition to the Antarctic, published 90 years later, including Bruce’s log, photographs, and plans as originally intended. Speak has added an introduction, explanatory notes, and a glossary of scientific terms.

Plate 9 (ff. p. 56) is picture of Bruce’s cabin aboard ship, with books at bedside and bookshelf overhead.

p.67: I have been reading up Biscoe again, and am compelled more than ever to admire his pluck and cool determination, as well as the excellent results of his explorations, that are only too little known.

p. 87, Sunday, May 3: I have been overhauling my bunk, full of wretched papers of every description. I only wish they would all get burnt or lost, though I take every possible means to preserve them religiously, revising and re-classifying them for ready reference. Two drawers full of these official documents cause me more worry than the whole running of the expedition with its thirty-three people, ship, houses, etc. But then I know future action, in relation to the base at home, hangs on these to a great extent, and may be the means of appealing with success for further help, to enable us to carry out the work of the expedition efficiently.

p. 95, Sunday May 24: I read about half of Alton Locke, finishing the book. What life Kingsley saw, and how he could bring it home to one!

p. 99, June 1: I have been reading The Legend of Montrose.

p. 134, Ramsay’s funeral Aug. 8, 1902: There was brilliant sunshine, and a temperature below zero. At 11.50 a.m. all hands assembled in the cabin to pay our last tribute of affection and duty to our comrade. I read Matt. xi. vers. 28-30; then Psalm cxlv. ver. 8 to first half ver. 20; then we sang ‘Rock of Ages,’ a hymn that Ramsay used to play on the harmonium; after which I gave a short prayer, which I followed up by reading Matt. V. vers. 3-9. … I read the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew at the graveside after which we returned to the ship.