Synopses & Reviews
In 1909, after two decades of strenuous efforts, the Peary Arctic Club expedition team triumphantly arrived at the North Pole. Commander Peary and his African-American companion, Matthew Henson, had endured several failed attempts to cross hundreds of miles of frozen ocean. But with their growing skill and experience, along with the assistance of Inuit guides, the explorers successfully planted the U.S. flag at the top of the world. This is Matthew Henson's firsthand account of the epic adventurea dramatic tale of danger, courage, and determination.
Hailed by The New York Times as a "really valuable addition" to the literature of polar exploration, and by Commonweal as "fascinating and exciting," Henson's story begins with his early years as a sailor. His navigational expertise proved invaluable to the Peary expeditions, and although racism kept him from receiving his rightful recognition a century ago, there is no doubt that his heroism ensured the enterprise's success. Henson not only mastered the Inuit language, but he built and drove the sleds and broke the trails. He hunted game to keep the starving explorers alive, carrying crew members when they were too weak to walk. His compelling narrative recaptures all the glory of the golden age of exploration. This edition features a Foreword by Robert E. Peary and an Introduction by Booker T. Washington, in addition to six historic photographs.
Synopsis
This thrilling memoir by the heroic African-American who was Peary's companion through two decades of Arctic exploration recounts a tale of danger, courage, and determination. "Fascinating and exciting." Commonweal.
Synopsis
This thrilling memoir recounts a tale of danger, courage, and determination. The heroic African-American who was Peary's companion through two decades of Arctic exploration, Henson possessed navigational expertise and a rapport with Inuit people that ensured the expedition's success. "A really valuable addition to the literature." The New York Times.
Table of Contents
Foreword
List of Illustrations
Introduction
I. The Early Years: Schoolboy, Cabin-Boy, Seaman, and Lieutenant Peary's Body-ServantFirst Trips to the Arctic
II. Off for the PoleHow the Other Explorers LookedThe Lamb-Like EsquimosArrival at Etah
III. Finding of Rudolph FrankeWhitney LandedTrading and CoalingFighting the Ice-Packs
IV. Preparing for Winter at Cape SheridanThe Arctic Library
V. Making Peary SledgesHunting in the Arctic NightThe Excitable Dogs and Their Habits
VI. The Peary PlanA Rain of RocksMy Friends the Esquimos
VII. Sledging to Cape ColumbiaHot Soldering in Cold Weather
VIII. In Camp at ColumbiaLiterary IgloosThe Magnificent Desolation of the Arctic
IX. Ready for the Dash to the PoleThe Commander's Arrival
X. Forward! March!
XI. Fighting up the Polar SeaHeld Up by the "Big Lead"
XII. Pioneering the WayBreaking Sledges
XIII. The Supporting-Parties Begin to Turn Back
XIV. Bartlett's Farthest NorthHis Quiet Good-By
XV. The Pole!
XVI. The Fast Trek Back to Land
XVII. Safe on the RooseveltPoor Marvin
XVIII. After Musk-OxenThe Doctor's Scientific Expedition
XIX. The Roosevelt Starts for HomeEsquimo VillagesNew Dogs and New Dog Fights
XX. Two Narrow EscapesArrival at EtahHarry WhitneyDr. Cook's Claims
XXI. Etah to New YorkComing of Mail and ReportersHome!
Glossary