In 1893; Fridjtof Nansen set sail in the Fram; a ship specially designed and built to be frozen into the polar ice cap; withstand its crushing pressures; and travel with the sea’s drift closer to the North Pole than anyone had ever gone before. Experts said such a ship couldn't be built and that the voyage was tantamount to suicide. This brilliant first-person account; originally published in 1897; marks the beginning of the modern age of exploration. Nansen vividly describes the dangerous voyage and his 15-month-long dash to the North Pole by sledge. Farthest North is an unforgettable tale and a must-read for any armchair explorer.
#5884 in Books Erik Larson 2000-07-11 2000-07-11Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .72 x 5.16l; .55 #File Name: 0375708278323 pagesIsaac s Storm A Man a Time and the Deadliest Hurricane in History
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Overall I enjoyed the book and will recommend it to fans of ...By AlXGThis is the third book by Erik Larson I've read. I agree with many of the other reviewers; that this tale suffered mightily from not including any of the pictures which the author detailed in the narrative; and the only maps pictured left something to be desired. Wonder why this was so? I felt a little swamped by all the characters mentioned but realize there were so many people who died in this storm that Larson could likely only sketch some of them. He did explain in NOTEs how difficult it was to gather accurate information from this disaster so long ago. I probably would've appreciated more details regarding the soured relationship between Isaac and Joseph but wonder how much verifiable data there was on them. Overall I enjoyed the book and will recommend it to fans of Larson. I absolutely loved the other two books I read and will seek others.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I particularly like the way the author brings into the story the ...By Stephen GassawayOutstanding writing on the part of Erik Larson. He brings the story of the Galveston hurricane alive and introduces the reader to a variety of actors who ranged from pioneering weather researchers and scientists who furthered knowledge about weather to bureaucrats and agency heads who held back the advancement of meteorology and; through their ineptness and incompetence; caused the loss of countless lives.I particularly like the way the author brings into the story the lives of relatively minor figures in a way that gives the reader a sense of place and history that traditional history books writers seldom attempted. Mr. Larson describes how families with children tried to cope with the massive storm that wiped out entire sections of Galveston in a matter of hours. An excellent book that; like Larson's other books; made me want to read all of his books.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Living and Vivid HistoryBy BearsieIf not reviewed in the newspaper; I would not have discovered the writings of this author. He produces great accounts of historical events but written in such a manner that one would firmly believe it was a novel. In a way; it is a novel; but based on true facts. His description/narrative at the time the hurricane hit Texas and flooded the town was horrifying and felt so real. Even describing the prior weather conditions and some of his characters were very vivid. Definitely a fascinating read; but yet so informative historically. Again; a book that captivates the reader. I have since read some of his other writings and would also recommend them. His writings should be recommended reading for "History" classes.
