Seinfield goes to the Arctic
584378
I really, really disliked this novel. I am very interested in novels and memoirs about Arctic and Antarctic exploration so you'd think I would have liked Fram, but this is a sort of post-modern version. I think it is meant to be deeply and brilliantly ironic but instead it was just sort of trite. I felt sorry for the central character but he also felt  sorry for himself.
294665
In this book, ex-CIA operative turned investigative journalist James Flynn travels to the Arctic, specifically Norway, to write an article for The International magazine. He no sooner arrives in the Great White North when he becomes involved in a conspiracy that threatens the world through its crops. Flynn, aided by two Norwegians, must race across the Arctic to prevent this act of eco-terrorism.

The villains and the basic plot were solid, but didn't grab me the way other books in this series have. However, the setting is the true star here. Jack Patterson's description of life on the tundra is spectacular. He obviously did his research, because the reader is pulled right along as Flynn and company race across the snow and ice to save the world. All in all, a good way to spend some quality time.
2104807
If your a fan of the Iditarod, Yukon Quest, or Joe Redington Sr. this is most defiantly a must have. But, you don't have to be a fan of Alaska, it's just plane good folk music, Hobo Jim is a great artist. He is the embodiment of all things Alaska.
844298
This book is a collection of short stories relating to the arctic or
cold,snowy places on earth.  Examples are:the Yeti,Abominable snowman,
"The Eagle"(a hot air balloon that went missing in 1897),Ross Marvin(what happened to him?),
The Northwest Passage,and strange islands.  This was o k.  It is for young readers.
2643960
"Even before I knew what traveling meant I determined that one day I would go and find these people, whom my fancy pictured different from all others. I must go and see 'the New people' as the old story-teller called them." Knud Rasmussen

Enthralling. Thrilling.

Every time I picked up White Eskimo: Knud Rasmussen's Fearless Journey into the Heart of the Arctic  those words popped into my head. I had to put the book aside for a few weeks. I SO was eager to return to it.

Rasmussen endured treacherous journeys across the Arctic, driven by his need to discover and document people who had rarely, if ever, seen Europeans. He was fully aware that 'civilization' was already ending the Eskimo way of life.

Charismatic, with high social intelligence, ruggedly handsome and fun loving, Rasmussen could charm his way into any society. The Inuit called him the White Eskimo for he lived fully as one of them; he could drive a team of sled dogs, hunt, relish rotten meat and green liver, talk the language and walk the walk.

Rasmussen was born in Greenland in 1879. His father was a Danish missionary. His mother's people had lived in Greenland for over a century and she was one-fourth Inuit. Rasmussen loved the Arctic; there were great hardships but there was also great freedom.

When he was twelve the family returned to Denmark, a shocking transition for the boy. At boarding school he mourned the loss of his old life and was an indifferent student. He became a heart-breaker and the 'king' of social gatherings. He dropped out of university and considered acting and opera. He socialized with the intelligentsia. In 1900 he decided on a travel writing as a career.

Rasmussen charmed his way into expeditions to Iceland and Lapland, writing articles as a freelance journalist. The Danish Literary Expedition finally brought him back to his beloved Greenland. He was able to reach the Thule people who lived farther north than any other people on earth. Rasmussen had finally found a new people, with different customs, in an unknown land. Thule became his home base for most of his life, With Peter Freuchen he established a trading base there. He became part of the community listened to the stories, memorized them, then wrote them down. He loved the artistry of the Inuit poetry and folklore.

Rasmussen went on seven expeditions, journeys that took him from Greenland to cross Arctic Canada. Rasmussen endured what many other could not: starvation, frozen limbs, pushing himself past exhaustion. He noted the similarities of the cultures, language and mythology and developed a theory of their interconnectivity through migration eastward.
3466876
What at amazing book! Stef Penney captures the world of the far North brilliantly and lyrically. (Reading it during a cold snap I'm sure added to my enjoyment!)

The story follows Flora's life. She first went North with her father who was a Dundee whaling captain and fell totally under its spell. She spent the rest of her days trying to get back there and to learn more about the place and its people..

Jakob deBeyn is a geologist. He is part of an American expedition to attempt to reach the North Pole. He and Flora meet and are instantly attracted.

Their love story, the accounts of the expeditions and how the desire for fame can sometimes blank out truth form a captivating narrative. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this stunning book. It will take a while before I forget this one.
1415743
This film, based on James A. Houston's fine book, is a fascinating glimpse into the Inuit way of life. The Inuit (commonly known as the Eskimo) culture remained unchanged for thousands of years but,as with all Native American people, thier culture rapidly became threatned once Europeans arrived onto the continent. Enough has been said about the plot, so I will just tell you that there is tremendous value watching the Inuit using ancient skills developed for hunting, killing and building igloos that are necessary to survive in the unforgiving environment on Earth. This film invites you into their intimate family life and reveals a clash of cultures that will haunt you for some time. The three lead American actors give a fine performance, but it is the Inuit people who are the true stars of this film.
1006005
Arctic Rising begins with somewhat of a bang when Anika Duncan is shot down in her airship after she and her partner attempt to investigate a ship that may be smuggling dangerous material. Anika survives the attack, but her partner, Tom, is injured, and after visiting him in the hospital, she returns home to recuperate. Relaxation is short-lived, however, when she receives a call bearing more bad news, plus she's asked to identify the men that supposedly attempted to shoot her down. Something else is in the works, though, something much worse than the dumping of hazardous materials. After taking a tour of the ship that attacked her, she finds a mysterious floating orb and smuggles it out, only to have to turn it over to higher officials. It turns out these orbs are part of a plan by the Gaia Corp. to stop warming and halt the melting of the Arctic ice. But, is this the best thing for the earth? Someone doesn't think so, and plans to use a nuclear weapon to stop Gaia. Anika Duncan, bent on revenge, will have to use every one of her resources to get justice, but will it cost her her life?

In a future world where global warming is no longer just a warning, and where the polar ice is melting at alarming rates, things have certainly changed, and the author wastes no time mining this scenario to create a fascinating setting for Arctic Rising. Anika, still young and a bit idealistic, wastes no time making the decision to go after the bad guys, especially after attempts on her life. She's no innocent though, and her background gave her plenty of backbone and bravery. After teaming up with a former mercenary,and a beautiful drug dealer, Anika pretty much stops at nothing to do the right thing, and this is what I really liked about her. The author has plenty of fascinating ideas on the environment, eco-terrorism, consumerism, and the possible future of our world, which are on prominent display here, but he also focuses on the humanity of his characters, even the "bad guys". You might want to cuddle up with a warm blanket while reading this one though, because even though the Arctic is warming, it'll still make you shiver, for more reasons than one. Fast-paced, exciting, and sometimes brutal, fans of sci-fi and ecologically focused thrillers will love this one. Definitely not to be missed!
44978
COLD ENERGY

Alex Cave, a professor at the University of Montana specialising in geology and geophysics is called upon to investigate a mysterious rapid expansion of Arctic ice.  Within days, weather patterns in countries surrounding the Arctic Ocean change for the worse, earth quakes occur and together threaten a catastrophe that will eventually affect the entire world.  As a special advisor to the Director of National Security, Martin Donner, Alex is given special powers to find out the cause and preferably prevent a disaster in the making.  He is a ex-CIA agent and more than capable of dealing with those who try to thwart his efforts to find a speedy solution.  What follows is a high octane adventure that never lets up and not only involves Alex with a small band of helpers but also a good handful of others who face a lahar in the shadow of Mount Baker in Washington State. This second book gives the reader an opportunity to learn more about the background of not only Alex but also of the people assisting him.  Is the cause of these weather phenomena and earthquakes alien in origin?  The answer will surprise you!  So... modern day pirates, hidden treasure, betrayal, unheard of weather events, earth quakes, self-sacrifice all play a defining role in this roller coaster tale.  This book is well worth reading.  I am already looking forward to the third instalment of this series.
159527
In this riveting account of polar exploration, Roland Huntford retraces the steps of two explorers as they race for the ultimate conquest: The South Pole. On one hand you have the British, inexperienced, under-prepared, yet full of pride. Led by Robert Scott, their jouney might have been more appropriately titled, "101 things NOT to do on a polar expedition." On the other hand you have Norway's Roald Amundsen, exacting, tactful, and full of ambition. What follows is a gripping, compelling, often humorous, yet tragic story of two men's intertwining destinies. Huntford goes to great lengths to capture the personalities and thoughts behind the men, in what might be one of the great de-bunking biographies of all time. This is an adventure story of the highest caliber and should not be missed! If you have already read and enjoyed this highly readable book, I would also recommend "Endurance" by Alfred Lansing, "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer, and "Voyage of the Narwhale" by Andrea Barrett.
3494343
A good account of quite a remarkable adventure. I have been freezing in my home today and the temperature is just a touch below 65 degrees. They may have been young men but they had grit. It was a very comfortable read. Well written and personal, not a textbook account. Although I knew they made it I still was cheering them on throughout the book.  Highly recommend it.
803321
a story that develops through the struggle to survive in the wilds of the arctic tundra. the character of charlie learns to respect and admire the Inuit people when his survival depends on the skills and expertise of the Inuit girl who was his passenger.
777650
This is a story of travel in the Canadian Arctic, in Nunavut, in the Northwest Territories, in Yukon and Alaska. It is an exciting and informative tale. Erickson is an experienced pilot who has taken many journeys into the far north, where there are few roads, but every lake is an airport for a small seaplane. Every stream and inlet is a fisherman's paradise, and catching a trout or char for lunch is a matter of minutes.
Erickson is passionate about flying, and the technology that makes it possible. He introduces us to the sciences of flight, of navigation, of nature's flora and fauna. A truly engaged person, Erickson has much respect for the Inuit. He tells us about their history and present life. The eastern half of northern Canada has become the Nunavut Territory with an Inuit (not Eskimo) legislature and administration, and a constitution similar to other Canadian territories. At 772,000  square miles Nunavut is larger than Alaska or Quebec.
We learn a lot about the region. Aside from his own experience, Erickson is very familiar with the history of the land and peoples. He recounts events in the history of the Hudson Bay Company, which was founded in 1670 and is jokingly known as "Here Before Christ." Yet more than any other institution it explored, opened, settled and exploited the region.
A discussion about navigation leads Erickson into describing the growth of ancient astronomy and how it was revived by Copernicus and Galileo. An examination of horsetails,  ancient plants, leads him into a consideration of Darwin and what he learned on a different journey aboard the Beagle. Flying along a fault scarp brings to mind the story of Alfred Wegener and the beginning of plate tectonics research. Every stop suggests new ideas.
This is an enjoyable travel story. It avoids the many qualities of heroic bragging. Rather the author emphasizes the insistent need for care, precision, and experience. The northern woods do not suffer fools gladly. Plane wrecks, graves, and lost limbs testify how easy it is to come to harm. But there is a strong quality of everyman in this book, a feeling that I could do this journey given the time, money, and strong enough desire.
4749613
Amazing account of journey in Antartica by a participant in the Scott trip to the South Pole. The writing gives a pretty vivid description of the hardships experienced by the explorers.
2485750
I have been to Kaktovik before with the pilot that flew Steve for some of the aerial shots in this book. My visit to kaktovik was wonderful, we even saw Polar Bear tracks, but this book really brings the bear to life. Steve has done a marvelous job of capturing the spirit of the bear as well as the other life in Alaska's Arctic region. There are treasures within it's pages, not just the bears, but the people in the region and the other wildlife. It exemplifies much of what the Arctic is all about. I feel like I am back up there while looking through this book! A must for collectors of Alaska wildlife books! Thanks for bringing me back there, Steve, through your eyes and your talents! I love the book!
2993742
A wonderful book though it's more than 20 years old. Very well written. Covers a variety of aspects of the arctic: wildlife, ice, anthropology, history - climatic and exploration.  Includes many conclusions of scientific research up until that point.  I read it first shortly after it was written and am re-reading it now.
4317161
I did have the pleasure to meet Mr. Lockhart in 1985 when my brother-in-law and I took our young sons fishing at Arctic Lodge. It was a wonderful experience. We all caught lots of big pike and a few nice grayling. Before we left i purchaed his book and found it very interesting. I wonder if he is still living, as that was 29 years ago, and I have had no further contact with him or Arctic Lodge.