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Sir John Franklin’s Erebus and Terror Expedition: Lost and Found
The true story of Sir John Franklin’s fateful expedition in HMS Erebus and HMS Terror of the North-West Passage in 1845, and the eventual discovery of the ships' wrecks in 2014 and 2016.
In 1845, British explorer Sir John Franklin set out on a voyage to find the North-West Passage--the sea route linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. The expedition was expected to complete its mission within three years and return home in triumph but the two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror , and the 129 men aboard them disappeared in the Arctic. The last Europeans to see them alive were the crews of two whaling ships in Baffin Bay in July 1845, just before they entered the labyrinth of the Arctic Archipelago.
The loss of this British hero and his crew, and the many rescue expeditions and searches that followed, captured the public imagination, but the mystery surrounding the expedition’s fate only deepened as more clues were found. How did Franklin’s final expedition end in tragedy? What happened to the crew?
The thrilling discoveries in the Arctic of the wrecks of Erebus in 2014 and Terror in 2016 have brought the events of 170 years ago into sharp focus and excited new interest in the Franklin expedition. This richly illustrated book is an essential guide to this story of heroism, endurance, tragedy and dark desperation.
In 1845, British explorer Sir John Franklin set out on a voyage to find the North-West Passage--the sea route linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. The expedition was expected to complete its mission within three years and return home in triumph but the two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror , and the 129 men aboard them disappeared in the Arctic. The last Europeans to see them alive were the crews of two whaling ships in Baffin Bay in July 1845, just before they entered the labyrinth of the Arctic Archipelago.
The loss of this British hero and his crew, and the many rescue expeditions and searches that followed, captured the public imagination, but the mystery surrounding the expedition’s fate only deepened as more clues were found. How did Franklin’s final expedition end in tragedy? What happened to the crew?
The thrilling discoveries in the Arctic of the wrecks of Erebus in 2014 and Terror in 2016 have brought the events of 170 years ago into sharp focus and excited new interest in the Franklin expedition. This richly illustrated book is an essential guide to this story of heroism, endurance, tragedy and dark desperation.
176 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 10, 2019
I enjoyed this short, bare bones description of Sir John Franklin's ill fated journey. What is the main treat here are the many photos, drawings, paintings and documents from the expedition, including the daguerreotypes of the Terror's officers. These photos, with a bloated, sickly looking Franklin, who had just gotten over the flu, really bring the men to life. Some of them look very modern in their countenance, brave and daring, as adventurers like these had to be.If you want an in depth account this is not the book for you, but I found it added a lot to my knowledge of the event and it's aftermath. It includes the men who searched for the lost ships and their recent finding.
August 27, 2018
Like many books published in association with museum displays, the text for this book is informative but somewhat dry, but the visual material outstanding. For Franklin newbies there’s a good summary here, but for those well acquainted with the history there’s nothing new.
The illustrations are intriguing and at times gripping. The daguerreotypes of the officers of the expedition, though widely available, nonetheless present the final public look at men who had no conception of the horrors awaiting them.
A full listing of the crews of both ships are also included, along with their ages, immediate families, and where they were from, something rarely seen in Franklin books. It drives home the full nature of the tragedy.
Russell Potter’s work is still the gold standard for all things Franklin, but this one takes the prize for art and photos.
The illustrations are intriguing and at times gripping. The daguerreotypes of the officers of the expedition, though widely available, nonetheless present the final public look at men who had no conception of the horrors awaiting them.
A full listing of the crews of both ships are also included, along with their ages, immediate families, and where they were from, something rarely seen in Franklin books. It drives home the full nature of the tragedy.
Russell Potter’s work is still the gold standard for all things Franklin, but this one takes the prize for art and photos.
January 17, 2019
I’ve read a lot on the subject, so the information wasn’t really anything new, but the accompanying photographs are fantastic.
July 15, 2020
This seems to be a short guide linked to the exabit that was put on last year or so. It is not a guide to the exhibit but an overview of the Franklin story and rediscovery of the ships.
It is wonderfully illustrated, and the maps alone were excellent resources. It includes photos of less famous members of the expedition.
It is wonderfully illustrated, and the maps alone were excellent resources. It includes photos of less famous members of the expedition.
December 6, 2018
Beautifully illustrated introduction to the mysterious disappearance of the Erebus and Terror expeditions.
June 7, 2025
A short but really interesting read about the Franklin expedition, the ships and crew.
I now have to live with the knowledge that the expedition did take a camera, and I feel bereft knowing that photos may have existed which are now lost to time and the elements.
I now have to live with the knowledge that the expedition did take a camera, and I feel bereft knowing that photos may have existed which are now lost to time and the elements.
August 26, 2024
Lovely compact book with a great range of info and plenty of high quality images, including ship plans, artefact photos, portraits and maps.
The book covers pretty much every part of the expedition you'd be interested in, from the ships' backgrounds, full muster and allotment tables of the crew (including characters of the crew such as Franklin's desire for success overriding his sense of safety), what daily life would have been like for them and the evidence found after the expedition failed. There are some really interesting tidbits of information, such as the ship having twice as much tobacco as soap, the allotment lists showing which family members crew allocated their pay to, and that the crew sewed clothes for the ship's monkey. There's also more poignant additions that help to bring home that these were actually real people, from Franklin continuing to write letters to his first wife for 2 months, unaware that she had died until he read about it in the paper, and ice master James Reid's ironic letter home to his wife saying 'this voyage will be the last I ever make'.
Whilst the book does have a really good breadth of information there are sections where a lack of depth is felt. Some interesting observations are made but are then left hanging, such as their idea of the open polar sea, and the theory that the tinned provisions gave them botulism and/or lead poisoning. Due to the size of the book it's not surprising that the author couldn't go so far in depth with every point, but along with the lack of maps is a little frustrating at time.
Despite this it's still a really interesting and beautiful book that will be of interest to both Franklin fans and completely accessible to new readers.
The book covers pretty much every part of the expedition you'd be interested in, from the ships' backgrounds, full muster and allotment tables of the crew (including characters of the crew such as Franklin's desire for success overriding his sense of safety), what daily life would have been like for them and the evidence found after the expedition failed. There are some really interesting tidbits of information, such as the ship having twice as much tobacco as soap, the allotment lists showing which family members crew allocated their pay to, and that the crew sewed clothes for the ship's monkey. There's also more poignant additions that help to bring home that these were actually real people, from Franklin continuing to write letters to his first wife for 2 months, unaware that she had died until he read about it in the paper, and ice master James Reid's ironic letter home to his wife saying 'this voyage will be the last I ever make'.
Whilst the book does have a really good breadth of information there are sections where a lack of depth is felt. Some interesting observations are made but are then left hanging, such as their idea of the open polar sea, and the theory that the tinned provisions gave them botulism and/or lead poisoning. Due to the size of the book it's not surprising that the author couldn't go so far in depth with every point, but along with the lack of maps is a little frustrating at time.
Despite this it's still a really interesting and beautiful book that will be of interest to both Franklin fans and completely accessible to new readers.
March 11, 2021
This is basically a beautifully illustrated exhibition catalogue, so it is an ideal introduction to the story. Hutchinson knows it's an orientation guide, so even her suggested 'Further Reading' is aimed at helping readers navigate that history.
October 26, 2024
Excellent introduction to the Franklin Expedition. Written by the extremely capable staff of National Maritime Museum Greenwich, it touches on all important aspects. At less than 200 pages, it does not go into all extant detail, but it hits all the highlights that will allow someone to branch off in many directions to learn more.
November 23, 2024
Seemed like a good read, leading into my next read. Other than that, it was what one would expect for technical reading.
March 12, 2018
In the first half of the 1800's the British made various forays into the Arctic, completing surveys up both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts that suggested there could be a Northwest Passage over the north end of the Americas. Such a route would be more direct than the trip around Cape Horn far to the south. In 1845, Sir John Franklin was sent out with the two strengthened bomb vessels, Erebus and Terror, to extend the surveys and determine whether such a passage did exist.
The expedition was provisioned for three years with the expectation that they would overwinter in the ice. A series of searches for the expedition started as early as 1847. A number of the search ships were lost to the ice including Investigator and Breadalbane. In 1953, an overland expedition by John Rae made contact with Inuit who related their finds of remnants of the expedition including corpses, on King William Island.
In 1854 the Admiralty declared the expedition lost and the members presumed dead, but Lady Franklin would not accept this and financed an expedition lead by Leopold McClintock in the Fox to look for survivors, records and attempt to confirm that Franklin had discovered the Northwest Passage. On and near King William Island, McClintock found camps, skeletons and messages left by the expedition indicating they had headed south to Back's Fish River.
Canadian searches with side-scan sonar found the Erebus in 2014 and Terror in 2016. Divers have recovered a number of artifacts, but no records revealing details of the expedition's movements have yet been found.
This book gives an interesting view of the rigorous life on board the expedition. When overwintering, the ship's decks were roofed with canvas, snow was banked along the sides for insulation, stoves were used for heating and candles for lighting. Time was allotted for exercise, learning and entertainment.
Extensive land explorations were carried out by searchers, such as McClintock. The camping gear and sometimes boats were carried on man-hauled sledges, while a dog sledge was used to scout the best route.
The expedition was provisioned for three years with the expectation that they would overwinter in the ice. A series of searches for the expedition started as early as 1847. A number of the search ships were lost to the ice including Investigator and Breadalbane. In 1953, an overland expedition by John Rae made contact with Inuit who related their finds of remnants of the expedition including corpses, on King William Island.
In 1854 the Admiralty declared the expedition lost and the members presumed dead, but Lady Franklin would not accept this and financed an expedition lead by Leopold McClintock in the Fox to look for survivors, records and attempt to confirm that Franklin had discovered the Northwest Passage. On and near King William Island, McClintock found camps, skeletons and messages left by the expedition indicating they had headed south to Back's Fish River.
Canadian searches with side-scan sonar found the Erebus in 2014 and Terror in 2016. Divers have recovered a number of artifacts, but no records revealing details of the expedition's movements have yet been found.
This book gives an interesting view of the rigorous life on board the expedition. When overwintering, the ship's decks were roofed with canvas, snow was banked along the sides for insulation, stoves were used for heating and candles for lighting. Time was allotted for exercise, learning and entertainment.
Extensive land explorations were carried out by searchers, such as McClintock. The camping gear and sometimes boats were carried on man-hauled sledges, while a dog sledge was used to scout the best route.
July 23, 2020
Läs min text på bloggen: https://www.fiktiviteter.se/2020/07/2...
April 15, 2018
Excellent companion to the exhibit currently available at the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa in 2018, but also stands well on its own. A fairly simple account, with excellent reproductions of contemporary images and Franklin artifacts.
December 15, 2018
A wonderful introduction to the story of the Franklin Expedition, made all the more meaningful for the illustrations, photographs, and maps that bring their tragic tale to life.
December 31, 2020
As an historian, sea voyages of exploration have always been of great interest to me. When I heard about the discovery of the poor men who lost their lives during the 1845 expedition to the Arctic, I have been fascinated by this expedition more than any other. Then when the ships HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were found, in 2014 and 2016 respectively, it was like I was on my own journey again.
I have read lots about this trip and the people involved in it, from the seamen and their families to those who went searching for them from the 1800s to the twenty-first century. As technology and science has improved, so has our understanding of what they did and what they suffered. A wonderful fictional account is The Terror by Dan Simmons that I heartily recommend. This book, however, is facts only.
The story of this voyage is as exciting as a novel, the thrills, adventure and suspense is as good as anything. Added to that this particular book has plenty of photographs, illustrations, letters and maps to express the expedition in all aspects. It starts by explaining the purpose of the voyage (finding the north-west passage route through the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean across the top of America) , which was also attempted by Captain Cook, who was killed before he could complete it. It has a chapter dedicated to Sir John Franklin, one to his crew and one to the ships and the daily expedition life. The second half of the book looks at the search for Franklin, his crew and ships.
If you can, read the physical version as the images and photographs are so much better on the glossy page than on the ebook. The author, Gillian Hutchinson, is a curator at the National Maritime Museum, and an expert in her field. This is exemplified by the intricate research and authoritative narrative, but above all it is the illustrations that make this book stand out against the many books written about this expedition. Not an academic piece but essential for the history buff, bringing the whole tragic episode to life. Haunting and terrific. Highly recommended.
I have read lots about this trip and the people involved in it, from the seamen and their families to those who went searching for them from the 1800s to the twenty-first century. As technology and science has improved, so has our understanding of what they did and what they suffered. A wonderful fictional account is The Terror by Dan Simmons that I heartily recommend. This book, however, is facts only.
The story of this voyage is as exciting as a novel, the thrills, adventure and suspense is as good as anything. Added to that this particular book has plenty of photographs, illustrations, letters and maps to express the expedition in all aspects. It starts by explaining the purpose of the voyage (finding the north-west passage route through the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean across the top of America) , which was also attempted by Captain Cook, who was killed before he could complete it. It has a chapter dedicated to Sir John Franklin, one to his crew and one to the ships and the daily expedition life. The second half of the book looks at the search for Franklin, his crew and ships.
If you can, read the physical version as the images and photographs are so much better on the glossy page than on the ebook. The author, Gillian Hutchinson, is a curator at the National Maritime Museum, and an expert in her field. This is exemplified by the intricate research and authoritative narrative, but above all it is the illustrations that make this book stand out against the many books written about this expedition. Not an academic piece but essential for the history buff, bringing the whole tragic episode to life. Haunting and terrific. Highly recommended.
April 14, 2022
În căutarea pasajului de nord-vest (o rută maritimă care să ocolească America pe la nord) a plecat în 1845 din Anglia o expediție compusă din 129 marinari, echipajele a două faimoase corăbii, Erebus și Terror. După trei ani în care nu s-a mai știut nimic despre ei, Amiralitatea Britanică a lansat câteva expediții, care chiar dacă nu au găsit epavele corăbiilor, au adunat suficiente dovezi încât să-i declare morți pe toți. Folosind tehnologie modernă, cele două epave au fost găsite de-abia în 2014-2016, dar încă mai persistă lacune și mistere în legătură cu expediția pierdută a lui Sir John Franklin.
Mistere pe care această carte nu dorește să le elucideze totuși - fiind mai mult un ghid muzeografic care ar putea însoți o expoziție tematică decât o operă literară, De aceea, și prezintă numeroase fotografii istorice sau contemporane, schițe, hărți etc; detaliază de asemenea, aproape jurnalistic, istoria știută a expediției, a comandantului ei și a celor două nave bombardiere, precum și cum au fost găsite recent cele două nave scufundate în apele înghețate ale Arcticii.
Mistere pe care această carte nu dorește să le elucideze totuși - fiind mai mult un ghid muzeografic care ar putea însoți o expoziție tematică decât o operă literară, De aceea, și prezintă numeroase fotografii istorice sau contemporane, schițe, hărți etc; detaliază de asemenea, aproape jurnalistic, istoria știută a expediției, a comandantului ei și a celor două nave bombardiere, precum și cum au fost găsite recent cele două nave scufundate în apele înghețate ale Arcticii.
November 6, 2022
Nie do końca wiem, co sądzić o tej książce. Albo inaczej - nie wiem, komu jest ona przeznaczona i jaki jest jej odbiorca.
Skąpa ilość informacji dotyczących Franklina, jego załogi i wyprawy raczej nie zachęci do siebie tych, którzy już coś w tym temacie czytali, bo wszystko to już doskonale wiedzą. Plus taki, że mamy tu mnogość ilustracji, w tym zdjęć artefaktów wydobytych z wraków odkrytych dopiero kilka lat temu.
Z drugiej strony, ta krótka forma raczej nie poszerzy wiedzy tych, którzy właśnie chcieliby dowiedzieć się czegoś o tym, co wydarzyło się te prawie 200 lat temu z Franklinem i jego ludźmi. Ale może to będzie ich początek przygody z tą historią.
I właśnie tym chyba jest ta pozycja. "Zajawką" i ciekawostką dla czytelników, którzy chcą poznać ułamek informacji, żeby wiedzieć, cóż tam miało miejsce, a jednocześnie - być może - zachęci ich to do sięgnięcia po bardziej wartościową lekturę w tym temacie.
Skąpa ilość informacji dotyczących Franklina, jego załogi i wyprawy raczej nie zachęci do siebie tych, którzy już coś w tym temacie czytali, bo wszystko to już doskonale wiedzą. Plus taki, że mamy tu mnogość ilustracji, w tym zdjęć artefaktów wydobytych z wraków odkrytych dopiero kilka lat temu.
Z drugiej strony, ta krótka forma raczej nie poszerzy wiedzy tych, którzy właśnie chcieliby dowiedzieć się czegoś o tym, co wydarzyło się te prawie 200 lat temu z Franklinem i jego ludźmi. Ale może to będzie ich początek przygody z tą historią.
I właśnie tym chyba jest ta pozycja. "Zajawką" i ciekawostką dla czytelników, którzy chcą poznać ułamek informacji, żeby wiedzieć, cóż tam miało miejsce, a jednocześnie - być może - zachęci ich to do sięgnięcia po bardziej wartościową lekturę w tym temacie.
July 28, 2021
I found this book a little bit short and not as interesting as I expected. I had already read quite a bit about the quest to find the North West Passage and had hoped that this book would focus more on just the final expedition and not so much on the lead up to it. There was a lot of detail in the book such as the names of the men on the ships and the provisions they took with them etc. I would have been interested to see some evidence-based speculation on exactly what happened to the crews. There was some speculation, but it was not set out in a very clear, chronological way. Plus there are maps reproduced with so much small detail on them, that it's very difficult, if not impossible, to read them. It was a quick read but nothing like as good as "Barrow's Boys."
October 26, 2020
Though I’d read several books about the Franklin Expedition, I couldn’t pass up this one when I noticed it in the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. I already knew much of what was in this book, but I think it would be an excellent start to anyone who was just beginning their study of the doomed voyage.
The book is very readable, and the many pictures and illustrations (they make up over half of the 175 pages,) are excellent. The photos of the Erebus’ captain and officers, as well as Captain Crozier of the Terror, are a definite bonus.They make the information presented come alive.
The book is very readable, and the many pictures and illustrations (they make up over half of the 175 pages,) are excellent. The photos of the Erebus’ captain and officers, as well as Captain Crozier of the Terror, are a definite bonus.They make the information presented come alive.
November 3, 2020
Good intro about the northwest passage and who all attempted the search for it prior to erebus and terror. Wish the book had better, detailed maps of each attempt route though. Also was hoping there is high level description of how and what type of ice obstacles are formed that hindered arctic exploration. However, the book is very factual - I liked how the book went over the officers of Erebus / Terror, blueprints of the ships, the muster, items found, the beautiful artwork and sketches done by artic explorers. It's a good start familiarizing yourself to the mystery of the seamens' fate.
May 27, 2021
I have the finale episode of the fantastic Due South to thank for my Franklin fascination. I’ve read history and fiction on the subject over the years, and thoroughly enjoyed the tv adaption of one them - The Terror - recently. But the very first book I read about the lost Franklin expedition was a school prize given to my dad in 1956... things have changed a bit since then and this book brought us as up to date as possible. It is a great addition to my collection.
June 16, 2021
Great book, surreal to see pictures of the men who were lost and then pictures of some of their items which were found - one of those books that felt quite short despite the myriad of info and images!
April 12, 2023
A concise, easy-to-read account of a fascinating episode in maritime history. It's beautifully illustrated with photos of paintings, maps, muster lists and items discovered during subsequent voyages.
May 19, 2021
Having seen the TV series ... very interesting but very few Innuit monsters!
February 3, 2022
Fascinating story of one of the great Arctic mysteries.
February 13, 2023
Loved this. Succinct and informative, and loads of visuals which made it very immersive. A great first introduction to the Franklin expedition.
December 23, 2023
Terrible book. It is basically museum panels from a museum exhibit disguised in a book form. Short and not very informative. Hardly qualifies as a book.
April 26, 2024
Really excellent introduction which actually gives credence to the Inuit accounts as well as the European ones. Wonderful photographs of the wrecks too
May 7, 2024
A short, very readable, accessible and interesting overview of the Franklin expedition.
December 22, 2024
Brrr. I feel cold just thinking about it. I can't imagine doing this voluntarily.
Great illustrations and maps
Great illustrations and maps
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews