Dead Silence: the Greatest Mystery in Arctic Discovery

by John Geiger, Owen Beattie

Book by John Geiger, Owen Beattie

Genres: Nonfiction, Canada, History

219 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Jrobertus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book centers on the mysterious 1719 disappearance in the wilderness of James Knight. Knight was an official of the Hudson Bay Company with many years’ experience in the area. He took two ships and 40 men to search for the Northwest Passage, and also for gold in the far NW area of the Bay. Later adventurers gave varying ideas of what happened to the lost crew. Some said they were massacred by Eskimos, others heard native tales suggesting they slowly perished of hunger. The authors review all of the available literature and use modern archeological methods to revisit the story. It appears the ships were moored in a narrow harbor, there was evidence of hunting and preserving game, and a secure winter house built with a large and unconsumed coal supply. They could easily have survived the winter there and probably left the island over the ice if they wanted. There was no graveyard at the site although there were many artifacts from the crew. A big mystery indeed. IN addition to this main focus, the authors present a fascinating story of the history of European adventures in the Bay, particularly the rivalry of the French and British. There were numerous little battles and campaigns as forts and factories switched hands in the struggle for furs and minerals. The authors support their hypothesis with period documents in an Appendix and a rigorous reference list. I really enjoyed this scholarly read and I am really glad I don’t live in the Canadian Arctic.

[Jory · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title is not false advertising. I'm even more confused and a little existentially frightened after finishing it, but mostly extremely upset that there exist so few other studies of this event that I can read for more information 😔

[Frank Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good detailed investigation of a hudsons bay mystery.

[Baco · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written look at a fascinating mystery. It's a shame it's so inconclusive and unsatisfying, but I appreciate that the authors presented their facts and speculation without trying to sell a thinly supported conclusion.