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
Courtesy of SD Auctions

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

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.

Sydpolen
1/10
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Roald Amundsen: Sydpolen in jackets and slip case. €3500-5000

Fram
2/10
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Amundsen’s Copy, from the library on board Fram. €7000-8500

Aurora Australis
3/10
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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

The heart of the Antarctic
4/10
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The heart of the Antarctic + The Antarctic Book. €17000-25500

South Polar Times
5/10
Courtesy of SD Auctions

South Polar Times. €7000-10000

[Barents] Gerrit de Veer: Verhael de vier eerste schip-voerden […],
6/10
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[Barents] Gerrit de Veer: Verhael de vier eerste schip-voerden […], 1663. €700-1000

At the South Pole.
7/10
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Henry Robertson Bowers: At the South Pole. €10000-13000

A natural history of Birds
8/10
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Eleazar Albin: A natural history of Birds, 1738-40. €850-1700

Voyage de la Commission scientific du Nord […]
9/10
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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

Ulysses
10/10
Courtesy of SD Auctions

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.

View the Catalogue

See the Online Auction