A Booklist Best Literary Travel Book of 2017 A Kirkus Reviews Best Nonfiction Book of 2016 A remarkable true story of adventure; betrayal; and survival set in one of the world’s most inhospitable places.In 1906; from atop a snow-swept hill in the ice fields northwest of Greenland; hundreds of miles from another human being; Commander Robert E. Peary spotted a line of mysterious peaks looming in the distance. He called this unexplored realm “Crocker Land.†Scientists and explorers agreed that the world-famous explorer had discovered a new continent rising from the frozen Arctic Ocean.Several years later; two of Peary’s disciples; George Borup and Donald MacMillan; assembled a team of amateur adventurers to investigate Crocker Land. Before them lay a chance at the kind of lasting fame enjoyed by Magellan; Columbus; and Captain Cook. While filling in the last blank space on the globe; they might find new species of plants or animals; or even men; in the era of Jules Verne and H. G. Wells; anything seemed possible. Renowned scientific institutions; and even former president Theodore Roosevelt; rushed to endorse the expedition.What followed was a sequence of events that none of the explorers could have imagined. Trapped in a true-life adventure story; the men endured howling blizzards; unearthly cold; food shortages; isolation; a fatal boating accident; a drunken sea captain; disease; dissension; and a horrific crime. But the team pushed on through every obstacle; driven forward by the mystery of Crocker Land and faint hopes that they someday would make it home.Populated with a cast of memorable characters; and based on years of research in previously untapped sources; A Wretched and Precarious Situation is a harrowing Arctic narrative unlike any other. 16 pages of illustrations
#314326 in Books W. W. Norton Company 2012-05-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.30 x 1.10 x 12.30l; 3.90 #File Name: 0393072207288 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great BuyBy JanThe book I received was a used library book but it is in excellent condition. The book itself is fascinating. The drawings are very interesting. There is a lot of historical information included with the drawings. I purchased this book as a study book on quick sketches for my own information. Also makes a great coffee table book.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. If it sounds too good to be true; it usually isn't true - but this IS!By Mason Dixon PhotographyI must admit; I was skeptical about purchasing this book for $3.75 (!!) when the list price was $50... but I was very pleasantly surprised. The quality of the paper and binding is very good; the image reproduction is very high quality and the textual content is outstanding. I bought this mainly for eye-candy; but ended up learning a thing or two while reading it.My ONLY gripe is not with the book; but with the way it was packaged for shipment. The book was not properly secured; and as a result; it shifted during transport; causing one corner to be very slightly bent. Most people would never even notice such minor damage; but I tend to be meticulous in the care and preservation of my books; so I was a little miffed that it did not arrive in pristine condition. Still; for the price; I would have bought this book even with the miniscule damage to one corner... so I quickly got over it.At the time of this writing; I see the price has gone up to $5.47; but even at the new price; this book is an amazing bargain for anyone interested in the Civil War; etchings; the history of journalism; war correspondence; American history or fine art.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Beautiful!By mpJust received this book; so I have yet to read it from cover to cover. From what I have viewed so far; it is a beautiful book! Wonderful large images in color. I will use this book in my classroom; as well as read it myself. No pages stuck together or anything like that; as others have said. My only complaint is the chunk that was taken out of the dust jacket. For only $5; I won't return it.
