After the triumphant end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815; the British took it upon themselves to complete something they had been trying to do since the sixteenth century: find the fabled Northwest Passage. For the next thirty-five years the British Admiralty sent out expedition after expedition to probe the ice-bound waters of the Canadian Arctic in search of a route; and then; after 1845; to find Sir John Franklin; the Royal Navy hero who led the last of these Admiralty expeditions. Enthralling and often harrowing; The Man Who Ate His Boots captures the glory and the folly of this ultimately tragic enterprise.
#147151 in Books Stephen R Bown 2013-10-22 2013-10-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.25 x 6.00l; 1.05 #File Name: 0306822660400 pagesThe Last Viking
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The greatest explorer!By Robert GrenierI purchased the book for several reasons. First; I was scheduled to attend a webinar by the author. Second; I was preparing a presentation "Leadership Lessons from the South Pole" for a professional group in the Twin Cites (MN).But most of all; I have an abiding admiration for Amundsen's management and leadership traits/skills. I first became familiar with his life when I read Roland Huntford's "The Last Place on Earth." Since then; I've read several books and many articles about polar explorers such as Amundsen; Scott; and Shackleton.Bown's book seems to be well researched and is easy to read. I learned several things about Amundsen that I did not know. Amundsen was not only "The Last Viking" but the greatest polar explorer since he had three most significant firsts: the Northwest Passage; the South Pole; and the North Pole.Managers and leaders could learn a lot by reading this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Outstanding first halfBy KrisThis book read like some of the best non-fiction for the first half; with Roald Amundsen's voyage to the South Pole described in detail. Most fascinating was the information about the preparations he did for the trip; from studying Inuit clothing to testing various types of dogsleds and skis. The second half of the book describes his various North Pole adventures; but it gets a bit windy and defensive towards the end; defending Amundsen against the reputations of other explorers like Scott. I read this in anticipation of a trip to Norway later this year. I did not know much about Amundsen and was greatly educated about his accomplishments - I believe I will appreciate seeing the Fram and other ships at the Viking museum when I go much more now! Would definitely recommend this for those who like non-fiction page-turners.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Other lesser known facets of this explorer's lifeBy CrystalCityGood info on the lesser known sides of this famous explorer; he may have had everything together during his journeys; but in "regular life" he was as flawed as most human beings ...
