A polar exploration ship, the Pourquoi-Pas has always thrilled the imagination of the French. Built in Saint-Malo in 1908 and led by Commander Charcot it marked the position of France in these explorations.
This book "Les horizons polaires du Pourquoi-Pas?" is based on the discovery of a photographic collection by Gustave Gain. An amateur photographer, he accompanied Le Pourquoi-Pas on several of his trips, taking exceptional photographs. Not limited only to classic images, the photographer captured moments of life, manoeuvres or funny situations.
The photo showing Major Charcot completely naked washing himself on deck proves the intimacy of the photographer and his ability to tell a story in photo. The grounding of the Pourquoi-Pas, the stern sunk into the water is another special moment that the official campaign had not presented.
This is followed by a succession of images presenting the crew at work in the laboratories. Or skiing on land. Or surrounded by penguins or seals.
Each document, in addition to being very aesthetic (ah, the strength of black and white...), also delivers many details about life during these expeditions. The texts accompanying each image are short and can be read with pleasure.
A small book without pretension, but which delivers an extremely rare documentation.
- Orep Publishing
- 24,5x 21 cm
- 160 pages
- 25
