Categories for Polar
Polar, Travel
John Franklin: The Man Who Ate His Boots, Part III
In the decade or so following his disastrous-if-heroic Coppermine Expedition to the Arctic, John Franklin kept fairly busy. Upon his return to England, he married and became first a father… Read More
Polar, Travel, Videos
The Story Behind South by Ernest Shackleton
In this short film, Las Vegas bookseller Greg Hicks tells you why he loves the story of South by Ernest Shackleton. (Image above by expedition photographer Frank Hurley.) For more… Read More
Polar, Travel
John Franklin: The Man Who Ate His Boots, Part II
When we left off last, Sir John Franklin and his crew had abandoned Canada’s northern coastline and were making their way toward Fort Enterprise. Circumstances conspired and forced the party… Read More
Polar, Travel
John Franklin: The Man Who Ate His Boots, Part I
As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, it’s sometimes difficult not to romanticize explorers. Never mind the specifics of terrain or method of transport; never mind the fact that many of us wouldn’t… Read More
Polar, Travel
Ernest Shackleton: Mr. Popularity, Part III
By most reasonable standards, the actions of Ernest Shackleton and his crew during the Endurance expedition (1914-1917) can only be categorized as heroic. Indeed, given the string of calamities that… Read More
Polar, Travel
Ernest Shackleton: Mr. Popularity (Part II)
When we left off last, Ernest Shackleton had just returned to England in the wake of his Nimrod expedition (1907-1909). He was hailed as a hero and showered in attendant… Read More
Polar, Travel
Ernest Shackleton: Mr. Popularity (Part I)
When it comes to polar explorers, the first thing to know is that they were all maniacs. The second thing to know is that they were all maniacs. … Read More