The idea was a funny one: the event would last until an ice block encasing a copy of South Pole had melted away. Published by Martine and Prosper Assouline, South Pole was presented on Thursday, March 15 at Sotheby’s in New York, in a run of 150 copies. The icebound copy sold for $3,000. Profits from the sale went to the Antarctic Heritage Trust.

The expedition photographer, Herbert Ponting, was an exceptionally talented photographer, and the combination of his photographs and Scott’s diary entries make for a timeless connection to the ill-fated adventure. No matter what edition of the book fits your budget, there is a non-waterproof oversize for $1,050 and a trade edition for $45, it will be a wonderful addition to any ones library.