A thrilling account of suffering and survival; The Ice Passage charts an epic quest from desire to destiny.It begins as a mission of mercy. Four and a half years after the disappearance of Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin and his two ships; HMS Investigator sets sail in search of them. Instead of rescuing lost comrades; the Investigator’s officers and crew soon find themselves trapped in their own ordeal; facing starvation; madness; and death on the unknown Polar Sea. If only they can save themselves; they will bring back news of perhaps the greatest maritime achievement of the age: their discovery of the elusive Northwest Passage between Europe and the Orient.In addition to their Great Success; the “Investigators†are the first Europeans to contact the Inuit of the western Arctic archipelago; and the first to record sustained observations of the local wildlife and climate. But the cost of hubris; ignorance; daring; and deceit is soon laid bare. In the face of catastrophe; a desperate rescue plan is made to send away the weakest men to meet their fate on the ice. In a narrative rich with insight and grace; Brian Payton reconstructs the final voyage of the Investigator and the trials of her officers and crew. Drawing on long-forgotten journals; transcripts; and correspondence — some never before published — Payton weaves an astonishing tale of endurance. Along the way; he vividly evokes an Arctic wilderness we now stand to lose.From the Hardcover edition.
#492281 in Books 2013-10-29 2013-10-29Format: Deckle EdgeOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x 1.40 x 6.50l; 1.72 #File Name: 0385495579368 pages
Review
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful. Painless HistoryBy BonnieI've read all of Cahill's history books and this one continues where "Mysteries of the Middle Ages" left off. I find his writing to make for an interesting read while discussing sometimes complicated material. So if you're into history; philosophy or theology ; I highly recommend this book.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. This book is beautifuly written and reachly researched.By Alexander GrayThis book is an absolute joy to read and to absorb. It is particularly informative for those who are not religious but who are well versed in classical studies and philosophy. More than anything it helps understand the Christian religion; its struggles; catastrophes and success in guiding human development through the past 2000 plus years. It is also a clear pictorial and philosophical condemnation of ignorance and stupidity among those who base their lives on religion without understanding of theology and its history. I am going to read it again after I think about it for few months for one reading is not enough to absorb its vast amount of historical data and ideas; which has challenged humanity for so long and continues to challenge us. And I greatly enjoyed its references to contemporaries and modern events.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I have been reading the series "Hinges of History" and ...By Alma Jeanne CarmanI have been reading the series "Hinges of History" and this particular volume included too much personal opinion on subjects which made me question the validity of the author's conclusions. Were they based on objective analysis or were they interpreted in a manner skewed by his personal prejudices. For a volume of history detailing the renaissance and reformation I question the necessity of a derogatory interjection about Donald Trump. When I came upon this statement in the middle of the text I became cautious as to the reason for the reference. Was the author exposing his own prejudices or was he bowing to academic pressures and if either; was the body of the work worth reading at that point.
