Polar Exploration and Nordic History at Auction

Books on polar exploration, colour plate books, natural history, and nordic history go to auction from Norwegian business leader Johan Fredrik Odfjell

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Ernest Shackleton, Aurora Australis, 1908. This copy is registered #136 as listed on Census of the Aurora Australis

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Norwegian business leader Johan Fredrik Odfjell is now selling his book collection through SD | Auctions in collaboration with rare book dealer Fredrik Delås of Antikvariat Bryggen in Norway. A fine selection of books on Polar Exploration, Colour Plate Books, Natural History and Nordic History. Read more.

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Roald Amundsen: Sydpolen in jackets and slip case. €3500-5000

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Amundsen’s Copy, from the library on board Fram. €7000-8500

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Aurora Australis, inscribed by Ernest Joyce. €60000-77000. This copy is registered #136 as listed on Census of the Aurora Australis

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The heart of the Antarctic + The Antarctic Book. €17000-25500

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South Polar Times. €7000-10000

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[Barents] Gerrit de Veer: Verhael de vier eerste schip-voerden […], 1663. €700-1000

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Henry Robertson Bowers: At the South Pole. €10000-13000

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Eleazar Albin: A natural history of Birds, 1738-40. €850-1700

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Paul Gaimard: Voyage de la Commission scientific du Nord […], 1842-56. Only contemporary hand coloured set known to exist. €60000-90000

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James Joyce: Ulysses, 1922. €5000-7000

The collection is sold through 4 auctions October 2025 – February 2026, three online auctions and one in-room & live auction, the latter on December 4 presenting the international part.

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See the Online Auction