Alone.

BYRD, Richard E.

Item Number: 112571

New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1938.

First trade edition of Byrd’s account of his harrowing 1933 Antarctic expedition. Octavo, original cloth. Signed by R.E. Byrd. From the library of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the pastedown. American businessman and record-setting aviator Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo nonstop around the world in 2002 in his 10-story high balloon Spirit of Freedom. He completed the 2002 trip in 13 days, 8 hours, and 33 minutes and set records for both the Longest Distance Flown Solo in a Balloon and Fastest Balloon Flight Around the World. Fossett was also one of sailing’s most prolific distance record holders set the Absolute World Speed Record for airships with a Zeppelin NT in 2004. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career including aviation’s highest award, the Gold Medal of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), which he was awarded in 2002. Fossett disappeared on September 3, 2007 while flying a light aircraft over the Great Basin Desert, between Nevada and California. In very good condition. Decorations by Richard E. Harrison.

Admiral Byrd here chronicles his second expedition to Antarctica, undertaken in October 1933. “His goals were additional geographical exploration and the study of meteorological conditions in winter. When sufficient supplies were not stockpiled before the onset of winter, he decided to remain at the advance base alone to conduct the meteorological observations.” That winter Byrd nearly perished “but was rescued by members of a meteorite observation team who set out when Byrd’s messages became erratic and confused after five months in isolation… The ordeal had a lasting effect on Byrd. His book Alone is a record of his experience” (DAB).