In the Lena Delta: A Narrative of the Search for Lieut.-Commander De

In this review of In the Lena Delta, the reviewer finds a focused reprint that will appeal to readers of historical exploration and polar study; the single biggest reason to buy is the faithful facsimile of the 1885 London edition, which preserves language and structure for researchers and curious readers alike. This edition from Elibron Classics reproduces George Wallace Melville's narrative and the appended account of the Greely relief expedition, making it a useful primary-source style volume for libraries, historians, and enthusiasts who prefer original-text fidelity.

Key Features

• Facsimile reprint: The book reproduces the 1885 Longmans, Green and Co. edition so readers can access the original presentation and phrasing.
• Complete narrative: Includes Melville's account of the search for Lieut.-Commander De Long and his companions, delivering a full historical storyline for readers.
• Additional expedition report: Follows the main narrative with an account of the Greely relief expedition, adding useful comparative context for Arctic rescue efforts.
• Research friendly: The faithful reproduction makes it suitable for citation, archival study, or reference in academic work on 19th-century polar exploration.
• Readable format: As a single-volume reprint, it consolidates material that might otherwise require consulting multiple rare sources.

Who It's For

The ideal reader is someone interested in historical polar exploration, primary-source narratives, or 19th-century naval expeditions; scholars, graduate students, and specialized libraries will find value in a facsimile edition that preserves the original structure. Collectors of historical travel literature who prioritize authenticity over modern editorial updates will appreciate this faithful reprint.

Readers seeking a modern annotated edition, updated commentary, maps, or contemporary editorial notes may want to look elsewhere, since this Elibron Classics facsimile emphasizes reproduction of the 1885 text rather than added analysis or modern apparatus.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Faithful facsimile preserves original wording and layout for accurate historical reference.
• Includes both Melville's search narrative and the Greely relief account for broader context.
• Compact single-volume reprint consolidates material that is otherwise rare and scattered.

Cons

• Not a modern annotated edition, so it lacks contemporary commentary or explanatory notes.

Specifications

Title	In the Lena Delta: A Narrative of the Search for Lieut.-Commander De Long and His Companions
Author / Editor	George Wallace Melville
Edition	Facsimile reprint of the 1885 Longmans, Green and Co. edition
Publisher (reprint)	Elibron Classics
Original publication year	1885
Content included	Main narrative plus account of the Greely relief expedition

Our Verdict

This facsimile reprint is recommended for historians, libraries, and collectors who want direct access to the 1885 presentation of Melville's narrative without modern alterations; it provides good value by consolidating the search account and the Greely expedition report into a single, research-ready volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an annotated edition?
No, this Elibron Classics release is a facsimile reprint of the 1885 edition and does not include modern annotations or commentary.

Does it include the Greely relief expedition account?
Yes, the volume follows Melville's main narrative with an appended account of the Greely relief expedition.

Who is the publisher of the original edition?
The original 1885 edition was published by Longmans, Green and Co., London; this is an Elibron Classics facsimile reprint.