North Pole : A Narrative History

Since the Greek explorer Pytheas ventured to the ¿congealed sea¿ in the 3rd century B.C., generations of explorers have risked everything to seek the North Pole. Culled largely from the pages of rare books & little-known accounts, this vol. showcases the particular resolve of men forced to fight hand-to-hand combat with polar bears, endure grueling marches at the brink of starvation, & literally eat their boots to survive. Included is the story of mutiny aboard Henry Hudson¿s 1610 expedition; the harrowing tale of a crazed murderer among John Franklin¿s first Arctic expedition & the disappearance of 139 men on his second; & the triumphant account of Robert Peary, who sacrificed 9 toes in his quest to reach the North Pole. Illustrations.Brandt, Anthony is the author of 'North Pole : A Narrative History', published 2007 under ISBN 9781422367162 and ISBN 1422367169.