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In the summer of 1879, the USS Jeannette embarked on a perilous journey to map a course to the North Pole. However, their mission quickly turned disastrous as the ship became trapped in the ice near the Bering Strait. Forced to abandon ship, the crew faced a harrowing march across the ice, battling cold, starvation, injuries, and polar bears in their quest for survival. Hampton Sides' "In the Kingdom of Ice" vividly portrays the courage, suffering, and sometimes insanity of the crew members, painting a gripping picture of their audacious Arctic expedition in the late 1800s.
Sides' storytelling is masterful, weaving a tale of adventure, survival, and loss in the unforgiving Arctic landscape. The narrative is enriched with historical references, providing insights into the cultural norms of the time, the impact of the media, and prevailing beliefs. Through meticulous research and captivating writing, Sides brings to life the grand and terrible polar voyage of the USS Jeannette, capturing the essence of human endurance and the tragic consequences of hubris in a bygone era.
If you liked In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Madhouse at the End of the Earth: The Belgica's Journey into the Dark Antarctic Night by Julian Sancton is a gripping non-fiction account of the ill-fated 1897 expedition to winter in the Antarctic. The book chronicles the crew of the Belgica facing extreme hardships after becoming trapped in the ice, leading to insanity, death, and a fear of starvation. Sancton's writing style seamlessly weaves together primary source research, creating an engaging and psychologically fascinating narrative that showcases the powerful survival instincts and resourcefulness of the men on the expedition.
The book reads almost like a thriller, drawing readers in with detailed backstories of the characters and the motivations that drove them to embark on this perilous journey. As the expedition progresses, events take a sinister turn when the captain makes a fateful decision to sail into the ice pack in pursuit of glory, risking the lives of the crew. The narrative delves into the torrid conditions faced by the men during the Antarctic winter, highlighting the psychological impact of extreme isolation and showcasing the incredible fortitude and resilience displayed by the crew of the Belgica.
The river Scheldt wound languidly from northern France through Belgium, taking a sharp westward turn at the port of Antwerp, where it became deep and wide enough to accommodate oceangoing ships. On th... 'The Worst Journey in the World' by Apsley Cherry-Garrard chronicles the disastrous Scott expedition to the South Pole in the 1910s. The narrative provides a detailed account of the expedition, highlighting the heroism, misery, and despair experienced by the team during their three years in the Antarctic. The author, a junior member of the team, recounts the side trip taken to Cape Crozier to study Emperor penguins, shedding light on the scientific and exploratory aspects of the expedition. delves into the challenges faced by the team, the blunders of Scott, and the incredible amount of research undertaken by Wilson and others amidst the race to the South Pole against Amundsen.
Scott used to say that the worst part of an expedition was over when the preparation was finished. So no doubt it was with a sigh of relief that he saw the Terra Nova out from Cardiff into the Atlanti...In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick is a gripping account of the sinking of the whale ship Essex in 1819 after being attacked by a sperm whale. The book details the crew's harrowing journey of survival in small boats as they try to make their way back to civilization, facing starvation, cannibalism, and unimaginable hardships. Philbrick's writing style is described as a compelling page-turner, blending historical detail with memorable characters and thrilling adventure, reminiscent of a novel.
The book delves into the tragic tale of the Essex, which inspired Herman Melville's Moby Dick, providing a rich history of Nantucket's whaling industry and the psychology of leadership in extreme situations. Philbrick's extensive research is evident throughout the narrative, offering a deeper understanding of the crew's ordeal, the effects of starvation, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of hopeless odds. The story not only focuses on the disaster at sea but also explores themes of survival, humanity, and the sacrifices made in desperate circumstances.
IT WAS, HE LATER REMEMBERED, “the most pleasing moment of my life”—the moment he stepped aboard the whaleship Essex for the first time. He was fourteen years old, with a broad nose and an open, eager ...'Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage' by Alfred Lansing narrates the harrowing journey of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew as they face extreme conditions in Antarctica after their ship becomes icebound and breaks apart. The story follows their incredible struggle for survival, including abandoning ship, navigating through harsh weather, and enduring extreme temperatures and lack of resources for over a year.
The order to abandon ship was given at 5 P.M. For most of the men, however, no order was needed because by then everybody knew that the ship was done and that it was time to give up trying to save her...- #5
Save:Touching the Void by Joe Simpson is a gripping non-fiction account of a disastrous mountaineering expedition in the Peruvian Andes. The book recounts the harrowing tale of two climbers, Simon Yates and Joe Simpson, who successfully summit Siula Grande but face a life-threatening situation on the descent when Simpson breaks his leg. The narrative is filled with suspense, personal willpower, and the sheer determination to survive against all odds. Simpson's writing style is described as immediate, truthful, and compelling, providing a detailed insight into the physical and emotional challenges faced during the expedition.
I was lying in my sleeping bag, staring at the light filtering through the red and green fabric of the dome tent. Simon was snoring loudly, occasionally twitching in his dream world. We could have bee... Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors by Piers Paul Read is a gripping nonfiction account of the 1972 crash of an Uruguayan plane carrying a rugby team in the Andes mountains. The survivors faced extreme conditions, including resorting to cannibalism to survive. The book narrates the harrowing experiences of the passengers, their resilience, and the ultimate will to survive against all odds. Piers Paul Read's writing style is described as matter-of-fact, focusing on the stark reality of the survivors' ordeal without sensationalism.
Uruguay, one of the smallest countries on the South American continent, was founded on the eastern bank of the River Plate as a buffer state between the emerging giants of Brazil and Argentina. Geogra...- #7
Save:'Alone on the Ice' by David Roberts is a gripping account of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition from 1911 to 1914, led by the determined and resilient geologist, Sir Douglas Mawson. The narrative delves into the harrowing true story of danger, struggle, death, and survival faced by Mawson and his team of explorers in the unforgiving Antarctic landscape. Through meticulous research and thorough documentation, Roberts brings to life the heroic polar exploration era, highlighting Mawson's unwavering leadership and the challenges encountered during the expedition.
The book intricately weaves together the scientific endeavors, personal sacrifices, and extraordinary feats of endurance displayed by Mawson and his companions, shedding light on a lesser-known yet monumental chapter in Antarctic exploration history. Roberts masterfully captures the spirit of adventure and the indomitable human spirit that defined Mawson's quest to push the boundaries of exploration amidst treacherous conditions, making 'Alone on the Ice' a compelling and enlightening read for enthusiasts of true adventure and exploration narratives.
It was a fitful start to the most ambitious venture ever launched in Antarctica. After eight days of arduous toil on the featureless plateau of snow and ice, the three men were camped only 20 miles fr... 'The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon' by David Grann delves into the life and disappearance of British explorer Percy Fawcett as he embarks on a quest to find a legendary lost civilization in the Amazon jungle. Alternating between Fawcett's expeditions and Grann's own journey to retrace Fawcett's steps, the book seamlessly weaves together historical accounts and modern investigations, creating a gripping narrative that blurs the lines between reality and myth. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Grann brings to life the dangers, mysteries, and obsessions that have surrounded Fawcett's enigmatic fate.
Grann's writing style in 'The Lost City of Z' has been praised for its ability to captivate readers with a narrative that reads like fiction while being rooted in historical events. paints a vivid picture of Fawcett's relentless pursuit of the mythical city of Z, his encounters with the unforgiving Amazon environment, and the subsequent quests by others to unravel the mystery of his disappearance. With a blend of personal anecdotes, historical accounts, and exploratory insights, Grann immerses readers in a tale of adventure, obsession, and the enduring allure of the unknown.
On a cold January day in 1925, a tall, distinguished gentleman hurried across the docks in Hoboken, New Jersey, toward the SS Vauban, a five-hundred-and-eleven-foot ocean liner bound for Rio de Janeir...'Labyrinth of Ice: The Triumphant and Tragic Greely Polar Expedition' by Buddy Levy is a gripping non-fiction account of the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition of 1881-1884 led by Commander Adolphus Greely. The narrative takes readers on a journey filled with triumph, tragedy, heroism, horror, and survival as Greely and his team of scientists set out to break records for the farthest North while facing extreme challenges, dwindling supplies, and life-threatening conditions. Levy's writing style immerses readers into the harrowing tale of leadership, teamwork, and the relentless fight for survival in the unforgiving Arctic landscape.
is praised for its detailed storytelling, extensive research, and the author's ability to bring the events of the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition to life like a novel. Readers appreciate Levy's skill in presenting historical facts in a compelling and engaging manner, making the epic true saga of the expedition captivating and emotionally impactful.
Expedition commander Lt. Adolphus W. Greely stood on the edge of the ice floe listening to the constant groan and roar of the ice pack, a sound so eerily hideous that it had come to be known by Arctic...'The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey' by Candice Millard is a gripping non-fiction account of Theodore Roosevelt's perilous expedition down the uncharted River of Doubt in the Amazon rainforest. The narrative delves into the harrowing journey that pushed the limits of Roosevelt and his crew, showcasing themes of endurance, survival, and the complexities of exploration in an unforgiving environment. Millard's writing style expertly weaves together history, geography, character studies, and thrilling storytelling to offer readers a captivating insight into Roosevelt's tenacious character and the challenges faced by the explorers.
After his defeat in the 1912 election, Theodore Roosevelt embarked on a joint American-Brazilian expedition to explore the treacherous River of Doubt, a journey filled with physical and psychological challenges that tested the limits of the men involved. Millard's narrative skillfully captures the essence of adventure, bravery, and questionable decision-making, painting a vivid picture of the dangers faced by the expedition in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the book provides a fascinating exploration of Roosevelt's post-presidential adventure and the indomitable spirit that drove him to undertake such a daring quest.
THE LINE OUTSIDE MADISON Square Garden started to form at 5:30 p.m., just as an orange autumn sun was setting in New York City on Halloween Eve, 1912. The doors were not scheduled to open for another ...
