Hell on Ice: The Saga of the Jeanette

by Edward Ellsberg

Hell on The Saga of the "Jeanette" , first published in 1938, is the tragic story of the ill-fated ship, Jeannette, and her attempt to reach the North Pole via the Bering Sea in 1879. Written in novel form and narrated by the expedition's chief engineer, G. W. Melville, the book recounts the crew's punishing ordeal as the Jeannette becomes trapped for months in the Arctic ice and the crew are forced to make their way overland in a desperate attempt to reach civilization before hunger and exhaustion overtake them. Author Edward Ellsberg (1891-1983) served with distinction in the U.S. Navy and wrote many books of naval history and fiction.

434 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2023

About the author

Edward Ellsberg (1891-1983) graduated first in his class from the United States Naval Academy in 1914. After he did a stint aboard the USS Texas, the navy sent Ellsberg to Massachusetts Institute of Technology for postgraduate training in naval architecture. In 1925, he played a key role in the salvage of the sunken submarine USS S-51 and became the first naval officer to qualify as a deep-sea diver. Ellsberg later received the Distinguished Service Medal for his innovations and hard work.

Rear Admiral Ellsberg was awarded the C.B.E. by His Majesty King George VI, and two Legions of Merit by the United States Government.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always cry at the end. Such brave men.