The First Crossing of Greenland - Softcover

Nansen, Fridtjof

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1841582166 ISBN 13: 9781841582160

Publisher: Birlinn Ltd, 2003

Synopsis

Over the history of polar exploration towers one titanic father figure - Fridtjof Nansen. That a little known researcher in neurology from Bergen Museum was able to put together one of the first great journeys of exploration of our time is a tribute to the extraordinary force and magnetism of his personality. That he should show such extraordinary innovation in the use of sledges and skis, such attention to detail in areas such as diet and the make of sleeping bag is equally extraordinary. Although Nansen's success is overshadowed by the epic voyage of the Fram, his journey across Greenland in 1888 (eight attempts before him had failed) remains one of the most astonishing on record. Even the Eskimos were to regard his achievement in awe: '...now you will travel to the unknown world out there, you will possibly forget us among all the people, but we will never forget you.' On his return Nansen became a living legend - a third of the population of Oslo came out to greet him and he was awarded a sinecure for the rest of his life. His Greenland journey and the ensuring lecture tour inspired a surge in exploration across Europe. This, the first modern edition of The First Crossing of Greenland, removes the technical appendices, the historical sections on previous attempts to penetrate the ice field, and the detailed account of the Eskimos. The record of the incredible journey, however, remains intact.

About this title

About the Author:

Born in 1861, Fridtjof Nansen was one of the greatest figures of his age and a Norwegian national hero, particularly after the epic voyage of the Fram to the Arctic. He inspired directly other explorers such as Scott, Amundsen and Shackleton, although his achievements ranged far beyond the fields of exploration. He was one of the founders of neurology, a crucial figure in the Norwegian achievement of independence and Norway's first ambassador to London. Through his force of personality he played a crucial role in repatriating hundreds of thousands of prisoners at the end of the First World War, and, in undertaking famine relief in Russia, dealt directly with Lenin, Trotsky and Stalin. His role in the new League of Nations was vital in establishing the organization's international credibility. He died in 1930.

Review:

"From Norway Six men came out. Four Norwegians. Two were Lapps Together with the Norwegians They landed on our East Coast...They wandered over the Inland Ice Suffering great need Scarcely did they have enough food or change of clothes...At last they came over the ice. - Eskimo folklore

About this edition

• Publisher: Birlinn Ltd
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1841582166
• ISBN 13: 9781841582160
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 400