Ninety Degrees North: The Quest for the North Pole

Rating:
Summary: Well Done Examination of Arctic Exploration
Review: Fergus Fleming's Ninety Degrees North is a wonderful synthesis of the many treks to be the first to the north pole during the latter half of the nineteenth century and the first quarter of the twentienth century. Many recent books are available covering each of these individual expeditions in more detail but this is the best one for combining all of them in a focused well-presented manner which will allow the novice Arctic reader a chance to glimpse all of these men in all their derring-do and will also allow the more experienced Arctic aficionado the chance to follow the myriad of themes throughout the many, often very sad, trips to the top of the world. All of major characters are here. Particularly well presented is the controversies surrounding Cook and the quite awful Peary. A highly entertaing and enriching book.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating Book
Review: This book is not only a wonderful look at the fascinating men who were obsessed with reaching the North Pole, but with the fascination that unknown lands have on the human imagination. I was impressed with how foreign the concept of the North Pole was until it was reached. It was as mysterious to people back then as Mars is now, if not more so. Some theorists believed a whole other world was located in the center of Earth, accessible only by the Pole, and which housed a whole different race of people. The hardships that these men willingly endured just to be able to put their flag up and name a spot on the map and for the glory of it, simply amazed me. A terrific read without a slow spot in the whole thing. On top of it Fleming is a terrific wordsmith who has a really funny take on things at times. Get it.