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Great Exploration Hoaxes
Did Peary reach the North Pole? Was Admiral Byrd the first to fly over it? Did Frederick Cook actually make the first ascent of Mt. McKinley? Spanning 450 years of history, Great Exploration Hoaxes tells the spellbinding stories of ten men who pursued glory at any cost even the truth. Acclaimed author and explorer David Roberts delves deeply into the psychology behind the stunt and asks why these individuals, all of whom were exceptionally able, would perpetrate fraud on such a grand and public scale and defend it to their deaths, even in the face of damning evidence, and why these dubious achievements are still so hotly debated, often hundreds of years afterward.
Demonstrating that the qualities that brought an individual so close to his goal were often the same ones that drove him to fake success, Great Exploration Hoaxes is history at its best: entertaining, provocative, and revealing of human nature.
David Roberts is the author of thirteen books, the most recent of which are A Newer World: Kit Carson, John C. Fremont, and the Claiming of the American West and True Summit: What Really Happened on the Legendary Ascent of Annapurna. He was also responsible for the rediscovery of the lost Arctic classic In the Land of White Death, by Valerian Albanov, published in English for the first time in 2000 by The Modern Library.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Roberts led or co-led thirteen Alaskan mountaineering expeditions, making such first ascents as the west face of Mount Huntington, Shot Tower, and the direct north face of Denali.
Demonstrating that the qualities that brought an individual so close to his goal were often the same ones that drove him to fake success, Great Exploration Hoaxes is history at its best: entertaining, provocative, and revealing of human nature.
David Roberts is the author of thirteen books, the most recent of which are A Newer World: Kit Carson, John C. Fremont, and the Claiming of the American West and True Summit: What Really Happened on the Legendary Ascent of Annapurna. He was also responsible for the rediscovery of the lost Arctic classic In the Land of White Death, by Valerian Albanov, published in English for the first time in 2000 by The Modern Library.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Roberts led or co-led thirteen Alaskan mountaineering expeditions, making such first ascents as the west face of Mount Huntington, Shot Tower, and the direct north face of Denali.
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1982
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About the author
David Roberts
61 books225 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
See this thread for more information.
David Roberts is the award-winning author of twenty-nine books about mountaineering, exploration, and anthropology. His most recent publication, Alone on the Wall, was written with world-class rock climber Alex Honnold, whose historic feats were featured in the film Free Solo.
See this thread for more information.
David Roberts is the award-winning author of twenty-nine books about mountaineering, exploration, and anthropology. His most recent publication, Alone on the Wall, was written with world-class rock climber Alex Honnold, whose historic feats were featured in the film Free Solo.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 14, 2012
I was wary of this one right from the first, because I tend to like it when authors don't warn me in their introductions that I may find their initial chapters too dry and academic.
I have an interest in both explorers and hoaxes though, so I wanted to read about the stories. The book is arranged chronologically, and covers Sebastian Cabot, Louis Hennepin, Robert Drury, James Bruce, Samuel Adams, Frederick Cook, Robert Peary, Richard Byrd, Cesare Maestri, and Donald Crowhurst. There is strong evidence that some of these men faked their achievements, but other cases are a little more murky.
One of the most interesting chapters was about James Bruce, a man widely suspected of hoaxing during his lifetime but later exonerated. I got the sense that Drury was included largely because of the possible Defoe connection, that section didn't fit in very well.
When the book delved into the facts of these cases it was fairly good, but the author kept going off on a messy (and heavily hedged) argument about the background and mental state of exploration hoaxers. Phrases like "Oedipal confusion" were used. It's like he didn't trust that the massive drama surrounding these alleged adventures would have been enough to read about.
My sense of who the intended audience was also got muddy at times. Climbing jargon was heavy in a few spots, which was not a big deal, but the author would sometimes make references that sent me running to Wikipedia or omit basic geographical information about the spots under discussion.
I have an interest in both explorers and hoaxes though, so I wanted to read about the stories. The book is arranged chronologically, and covers Sebastian Cabot, Louis Hennepin, Robert Drury, James Bruce, Samuel Adams, Frederick Cook, Robert Peary, Richard Byrd, Cesare Maestri, and Donald Crowhurst. There is strong evidence that some of these men faked their achievements, but other cases are a little more murky.
One of the most interesting chapters was about James Bruce, a man widely suspected of hoaxing during his lifetime but later exonerated. I got the sense that Drury was included largely because of the possible Defoe connection, that section didn't fit in very well.
When the book delved into the facts of these cases it was fairly good, but the author kept going off on a messy (and heavily hedged) argument about the background and mental state of exploration hoaxers. Phrases like "Oedipal confusion" were used. It's like he didn't trust that the massive drama surrounding these alleged adventures would have been enough to read about.
My sense of who the intended audience was also got muddy at times. Climbing jargon was heavy in a few spots, which was not a big deal, but the author would sometimes make references that sent me running to Wikipedia or omit basic geographical information about the spots under discussion.
January 13, 2018
The actual stories I found fascinating - I love stories that stay in a gray area (is it true or not, who knows?) and didn’t mind the semi-academic style. A few things really bothered me though, primarily his attempt to draw connections between the hoaxers. Arrogance and desperation as contributors are pretty obvious, but he kept going on about how many of them had a parent die, or some childhood bullying. Seems like a pretty big stretch that Cook’s childhood lisp somehow contributed to his hoax. The entire psychologizing portion could be done away with. I like that he included bibliographies - I intend to read more about Crowhurst in the future! Overall a short and interesting read!
October 2, 2021
The opening chapters of David Roberts' book "Great Exploration Hoaxes" were so dry and academic (which is exactly what the author himself admits) that I thought I was really going to hate this book. The later chapters, however, are much more interesting and worthwhile reading -- though they aren't particularly illumination about why these men decided to try and fool the world.
I've read the majority of Roberts' books and this isn't one of his best. But if exploration hoaxes are a topic that you find interesting, you won't go wrong reading it either.
I've read the majority of Roberts' books and this isn't one of his best. But if exploration hoaxes are a topic that you find interesting, you won't go wrong reading it either.
May 6, 2025
Interesting stories, dry, academic writing. It’s a slog
May 13, 2020
This fantastically unique and ambitious book effectively debunks some of exploration’s greatest hoaxes.
With his usual level of skepticism and insight, David Roberts uses his investigative flair to shed light on some of the greatest liars the world has ever seen.
Filled with drollery and intrigue, at times hilarious and beggaring belief, this is a fine addition to exploration literature.
With his usual level of skepticism and insight, David Roberts uses his investigative flair to shed light on some of the greatest liars the world has ever seen.
Filled with drollery and intrigue, at times hilarious and beggaring belief, this is a fine addition to exploration literature.
June 6, 2020
Good topic but the writing is so boring. I had a hard time finishing this book.
August 11, 2022
“I will only resign this game
if you will agree that on
the next occasion that this
game is played it will be played
according to the
rules that are devised by
my great god who has
revealed at last to his son
not only the exact nature
of the reason for games but
has also revealed the truth of
the way of ending of the
next game that
It is finished
It is finished
IT IS THE MERCY
It is the end of my
my game the truth
had been revealed and it will
be done as my family require me to do it
It is time for your move to
begin
I have not need to prolong
the game
It has been a good game that
must be ended at the
I will play this game when
I choose I will resign the
game There is
no reason for harmful”
The last words in the ships log of Donald Crowhurst.
if you will agree that on
the next occasion that this
game is played it will be played
according to the
rules that are devised by
my great god who has
revealed at last to his son
not only the exact nature
of the reason for games but
has also revealed the truth of
the way of ending of the
next game that
It is finished
It is finished
IT IS THE MERCY
It is the end of my
my game the truth
had been revealed and it will
be done as my family require me to do it
It is time for your move to
begin
I have not need to prolong
the game
It has been a good game that
must be ended at the
I will play this game when
I choose I will resign the
game There is
no reason for harmful”
The last words in the ships log of Donald Crowhurst.
April 16, 2020
The first two chapters of this book read like a text book and were a total slog, and I almost abandoned it, but I’m glad I didn’t. Once I got into the more modern stories, I couldn’t put this book down.
Really great read if you are into polar exploration or mountaineering at all.
Probably deserves a 3.5, but since it ended on a high note, I rounded up. I have already recommended to a few friends.
Really great read if you are into polar exploration or mountaineering at all.
Probably deserves a 3.5, but since it ended on a high note, I rounded up. I have already recommended to a few friends.
May 23, 2022
Sebastian Cabot son stealing dad's achievements! Father Hennepin with no fear of the divine taking credit for LaSalle's traversing Mississippi. James Bruce descendant of Robert The Bruce unable to convince the world of his Abyssinian adventure. Captain Sam Adams aborted Colorado Steamboat business causes him to seek govt stipend for John Wesley Powell's actual achievement. Admiral Byrd and Commodore hoaxing North Pole achievements . Peary out hoaxing Dr Cook hoaxer extradinare. maestri not climbing Patagonia's Cerro Torre but claing he did - costing life of Toni Egger.
Great idea for a factual anthology.
Great idea for a factual anthology.
September 30, 2023
I never had heard of many of these men and their claimed accomplishments but I was fascinated by the author’s use of trial methods in sifting through the data. I will never again simply go along with the masses. Now I hope to more critically analyze data before jumping to any conclusion. Quite a fascinating book.
September 20, 2023
Some interesting stories, but they’re buried in really old-fashioned, stilted language. It was great as a read-before-bed book, though, because it sent me right to sleep every time. Which you think would be hard to do given that it’s literally a book about adventures.
December 25, 2023
An interesting collection of mini-biographies about men who couldn’t settle for their actual accomplishments but needed to be famous for something more. That is except for one of them who actually did most of what he claimed wasn’t believed.
I always enjoy books like this. It was a fun read.
I always enjoy books like this. It was a fun read.
April 29, 2020
A terrific collection of stories, though the psychological profiles (used to tie together the various hoaxers) tended to weaken the book.
February 11, 2021
It works best as a starting point in learning more about these explorers and would-be explorers. The pathologization near the end is a tad much, adding two and two to get Freudian oversimplification.
Read
May 10, 2023Important but disingenuous public figures have existed for hundreds of years. Human nature never ends.
November 18, 2024
This book properly compared histories biggest exploration hoaxes. There were some I’d heard of, and some I hadn’t, and I enjoyed each story.
February 1, 2014
A pesar de las grandísimas letras de la portada, admito que lo primero que aprecié fue la foto del (chúcaro) cerro Torre. Automáticamente, desandé mentalmente este camino: cerro Torre → Toni Eggert + Cesare Maestri → cámara fotográfica con EL rollo de fotos demostrando la cima → ruta del compresor= polémicas, dichos y entredichos, alabanzas, maledicencias y otras yerbas que aun hoy permanecen en los clubes de montañismo.
Obviamente, fue el primer capítulo que leí. Desafortunadamente, no había ninguna arista o dato que desconociera.
Así, con cierto desencanto seguí con los otros "exploradores" (el libro no ahorra en llamarlos embusteros, embaucadores, estafadores, lenguaraces).
Obviamente, todos los eventos no ocurrieron por estos tiempos: no existían los gps, teléfonos satelitales, cartografía digital, etc.
Más bien hace un par de siglos o décadas atrás. Eso sí: los lugares geográficos, remotísimos, imposibles: el ártico, el polo norte, el Africa negra, la patagonia...
Y por así decirlo, entre todos, si podría elegir uno entre los descriptos, optaría por James Bruce (también conocido como "El Abisinio"). De solo pensar que el Laird de Kinnaird, con su metro noventa y cuatro, de cabello rojo oscuro, su piel lechosa y su portentosa voz grave que se interne en las selvas africanas simplemente para vociferar a todos los rincones que él era el primer hombre blanco en estar frente a frente al Nilo azul. Todo el tiempo, a todo el mundo, debía convencer a propios y extraños que su visita (y estancia) no era apocalíptica. De vuelta a Europa, gozó de la fama y de la mera curiosidad: un 1ero de abril de 1775 estuvieron un tête-à-tête con el Dr. Samuel Johnson, y más acá con la pluma de James Boswell. Los dichos de éste fueron el principio de su fin.
En varios párrafos, uno percibe una mezcla de romanticismo, ingenuidad, autoconvencimiento y una cierta aversión, sino repulsión que se apodera de nosotros, en tanto, leemos lo que hicieron. Y lo que dejaron de hacer. O recordar. O apropiar.
Evidentemente, una mentira exige dosis de irracionalidad, sangre fría, ambición (a raudales!) y una cierta dosis de suerte.
Algunos recibieron audiencia papal, otros el destierro, algunos jugaron a las escondidas (ofrecían sus conocimientos al reino que más le ofrecieran).
Algunos de ellos murieron en la ruina (económica y moral), otro se suicidó, otro sigue viviendo en Italia y otros descansan con la gloria que da el bronce... hasta que alguien los desenmascare.
Tal vez dentro de años.
O tal vez nunca.
Obviamente, fue el primer capítulo que leí. Desafortunadamente, no había ninguna arista o dato que desconociera.
Así, con cierto desencanto seguí con los otros "exploradores" (el libro no ahorra en llamarlos embusteros, embaucadores, estafadores, lenguaraces).
Obviamente, todos los eventos no ocurrieron por estos tiempos: no existían los gps, teléfonos satelitales, cartografía digital, etc.
Más bien hace un par de siglos o décadas atrás. Eso sí: los lugares geográficos, remotísimos, imposibles: el ártico, el polo norte, el Africa negra, la patagonia...
Y por así decirlo, entre todos, si podría elegir uno entre los descriptos, optaría por James Bruce (también conocido como "El Abisinio"). De solo pensar que el Laird de Kinnaird, con su metro noventa y cuatro, de cabello rojo oscuro, su piel lechosa y su portentosa voz grave que se interne en las selvas africanas simplemente para vociferar a todos los rincones que él era el primer hombre blanco en estar frente a frente al Nilo azul. Todo el tiempo, a todo el mundo, debía convencer a propios y extraños que su visita (y estancia) no era apocalíptica. De vuelta a Europa, gozó de la fama y de la mera curiosidad: un 1ero de abril de 1775 estuvieron un tête-à-tête con el Dr. Samuel Johnson, y más acá con la pluma de James Boswell. Los dichos de éste fueron el principio de su fin.
En varios párrafos, uno percibe una mezcla de romanticismo, ingenuidad, autoconvencimiento y una cierta aversión, sino repulsión que se apodera de nosotros, en tanto, leemos lo que hicieron. Y lo que dejaron de hacer. O recordar. O apropiar.
Evidentemente, una mentira exige dosis de irracionalidad, sangre fría, ambición (a raudales!) y una cierta dosis de suerte.
Algunos recibieron audiencia papal, otros el destierro, algunos jugaron a las escondidas (ofrecían sus conocimientos al reino que más le ofrecieran).
Algunos de ellos murieron en la ruina (económica y moral), otro se suicidó, otro sigue viviendo en Italia y otros descansan con la gloria que da el bronce... hasta que alguien los desenmascare.
Tal vez dentro de años.
O tal vez nunca.
October 20, 2012
Despite my putting this on the tried-to-read--failed shelf, I didn't fail to read it. I hadn't planned on reading the whole thing, and reading just a little did nothing to change my mind.
Three of the ten chapters are related to polar explorers. Four if you count Sebastian Cabot, which I don't. There's Frederick Cook climbing Mount McKinley, Robert Peary and his sledge trip to the North Pole, and Richard Byrd and his flight over same. Roberts dismisses Cook so thoroughly that his trip to the Pole doesn't even get its own chapter and is sort of wedged into Peary's.
I know it's silly to expect a book with "hoax" in the title to be objective, but short of a personal confession (like Byrd's, and even that was secondhand), it's nearly impossible to prove these men didn't do what they claimed, and Roberts doesn't get anywhere close. The writing is sensationalistic and rambling, and then he brings psychology into it, which has little to do with whether or not Peary reached 90*N. Feelings are not proof.
I'm just skeptical, okay. It doesn't help that every book I read on the subject has its own set of supporting evidence for these guys. If the thousand page Cook and Peary: The Polar Controversy, Resolved doesn't, as the cover promises, resolve this...oh who am I kidding. We will never know who got to the North Pole first. Instead, let's just take a moment to appreciate Roald Amundsen, first to sail the Northwest Passage, first to make it to the South Pole, and first to undisputedly set eyes on the North Pole from the comfort of his dirigible.
Anyway, this book and its short, superficial chapters didn't convince me of anything, though it may work as a starting point for other reading. Each chapter has its own brief bibliography.
Three of the ten chapters are related to polar explorers. Four if you count Sebastian Cabot, which I don't. There's Frederick Cook climbing Mount McKinley, Robert Peary and his sledge trip to the North Pole, and Richard Byrd and his flight over same. Roberts dismisses Cook so thoroughly that his trip to the Pole doesn't even get its own chapter and is sort of wedged into Peary's.
I know it's silly to expect a book with "hoax" in the title to be objective, but short of a personal confession (like Byrd's, and even that was secondhand), it's nearly impossible to prove these men didn't do what they claimed, and Roberts doesn't get anywhere close. The writing is sensationalistic and rambling, and then he brings psychology into it, which has little to do with whether or not Peary reached 90*N. Feelings are not proof.
I'm just skeptical, okay. It doesn't help that every book I read on the subject has its own set of supporting evidence for these guys. If the thousand page Cook and Peary: The Polar Controversy, Resolved doesn't, as the cover promises, resolve this...oh who am I kidding. We will never know who got to the North Pole first. Instead, let's just take a moment to appreciate Roald Amundsen, first to sail the Northwest Passage, first to make it to the South Pole, and first to undisputedly set eyes on the North Pole from the comfort of his dirigible.
Anyway, this book and its short, superficial chapters didn't convince me of anything, though it may work as a starting point for other reading. Each chapter has its own brief bibliography.
May 23, 2013
I VERY quickly gave up on this book. The Author uses such big words that I had to keep going to the dictionary to see what he was talking about. Context clues did not work in this case, only to find out that he was using major words when a simple word would have worked. I don't want to spend half my night time reading looking up words, not relaxing before going to bed. I read through 2 of the stories and found that he seemed to be giving more of his personal opinion more than what the historical facts or the legend of what the hoax was believed to be. That's just my opinion on he 2 stories that I read and have some knowledge of.
December 14, 2009
This one is consistently uneven. Roberts includes one account of a widely agreed-upon NON-hoaxer, two accounts that are barely viable due to paucity of data, and makes some strange generalizations about the "hoaxer type." The characterizations come off almost in caricature and weaken the arguments considerably.
February 2, 2014
No matter what the National Geographic Society backs up, it really does sound like Peary did not reach the North Pole. But I am still respectful of his singular drive to try and make it there. On a more personal note, his ship was built across the river from my hometown on Verona Island, Maine.
November 30, 2016
My interest varied from chapter to chapter, but I'm satisfied with the book overall. I'd only recommend it, though, if you already have an interest/background in historic exploration. The writing, while serviceable, doesn't necessarily stand on its own.
May 2, 2017
I love reading about explorers, so the fact that some of them lied about what they accomplished intrigued me. Very interesting!
June 15, 2009
Good stuff. Pretty much what the title would imply. They were still feeding us Byrd and Peary in high school. National Geographic must still have some serious clout...
August 7, 2011
The chapters are chronological, so the first couple of chapters are rather dry since the data that far back is quite spares. The latter chapters are quite a bit more interesting.
December 27, 2011
I'm usually a big fan of David Roberts writin but this book seemed very uneven to me. A couple of the chapters were really engrossing, but the chapters that weren't really weren't!
November 17, 2025
interesting, but not as compelling as it could be, sure to lack of primary documentation in many cases.
February 16, 2016
Not very good.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews