Arctic Obsession: The Lure of the Far North

by Alexis S. Troubetzkoy

The epic history of the explorers and adventurers who risked -- and sometimes lost -- their lives in the quest to conquer and claim the Arctic.

Ever since approximately 325 BC, the Arctic has been the backdrop for tales of triumph and disaster, of hardship and horrors endured by those who were drawn to the northern latitudes. For centuries the major world powers sponsored teams of explorers seeking trade routes as well as the chance to claim new territories. These commercial interests brought them into contact with natives, who at first saw white crews die in the forbidding landscape they called home only to later succumb to disease, alcohol, and the drastic environmental changes wrought by global trade.

At a time when global warming is drastically altering the region, Arctic Obsession chronicles an age when the Arctic remained one of the last unconquered places on Earth.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Travel, Adventure

302 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Rogue Fern · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good roundup of Western exploration in the Arctic, well written. I like that it covers more of the non-UK history than we usually get in English, e.g. some of the Dutch expeditions that were incredible epics. As always, those who engaged with the people who lived there came out better.

[Wes · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting account of the difficulties and eventual progress of Arctic exploration, finding a northern more direct route to other parts of the world. The efforts were monumental and with the advance of technology it became easier to decrease the danger, if only a little.

[Izzy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

thought provoking and more relevant to today than expected

[Maggie]

Canyglow = kiss me

I liked the northern lights description the best. US bought Alaska for seven million dollars off Russia-- two cents per acre. Russia wasn't sure they wanted to be so close to the US and the US wasn't do sure they wanted to buy the ice. Secretary of state Steward sealed the deal with a Russian ambassador.

In the Russian chapter, I thought the pride of survival-there being a natural relationship between the Russians an their land was neat. As one chapter noted, survival is an art form.

[Chris Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It's filled with interesting history about men who bravely explored the most hostel region of our planet. I was amazed on how many of them went on several trips to discover a shorter route for shipping. Even today it's a risk, but with global warming it is becoming more possible for ships to pass through the northern passage. The author reminds us of the impact this will have on the fragile ego system in the Arctic. I would recommend reading this book.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent overview of the known major forays into the Arctic (most of which took place during the search for the Northwest Passage). I've read other works that focus in greater detail on specific expeditions, rendering these bare-bones retellings somewhat lacking by comparison (although that's hardly the author's fault, since an overview is his intention, after all). I'd say if you're just starting with your Arctic reading, start here.

[Zach Opsitnick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite an interesting read about the perils and struggles of trying to figure out the Arctic in the early days of exploration. Can drag on a little bit in parts, but for the most part it's definitely a factual and informative book.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book but could use more maps