Title: In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette
Author: Hampton Sides
First published August 5, 2014
454 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780385535373 (ISBN10: 0385535376)
Rating: 4.25
Overview
In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette by Hampton Sides is a gripping account of the harrowing journey of Captain George Washington De Long and his team of thirty-two men. Their goal was to be the first nation to reach the North Pole, and they set sail from San Francisco on the USS Jeannette in 1879.
However, their dreams were shattered when the ship’s hull was breached by an impassable stretch of pack ice, leaving the crew marooned a thousand miles north of Siberia. With limited supplies and facing unimaginable dangers such as snow blindness, polar bears, and ferocious storms, the crew battled madness and starvation as they struggled to survive.
In this tale of heroism and determination, In The Kingdom of Ice takes readers on a thrilling journey through the most brutal place on Earth.
Editoral Review
In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette by Hampton Sides is a gripping historical account that delves into the true story of a disastrous Arctic expedition in the late 19th century. The book was first published on August 5, 2014, and has gained critical acclaim for its vivid storytelling, meticulous research, and immersive portrayal of the era.
Sides, a well-known journalist and author, brings his expertise to bear in this non-fiction work that reads like a novel. He meticulously documents the harrowing journey of the USS Jeannette, a naval ship that attempted to discover the North Pole but ended up being trapped in the ice and crushed by the Arctic floes.
The book reconstructs the events leading up to the doomed expedition, the hardships faced by the crew, and the daring rescue mission that ensued. The books main characters are the crew members of the Jeannette, including its captain George Washington De Long, whose leadership skills are put to the test in the treacherous and unfamiliar terrain.
The setting is the unforgiving yet awe-inspiring Arctic wilderness, which Sides describes with vivid beauty and danger in equal measure. The conflict is the struggle of man against nature, as well as the clash of cultures between the American sailors and the indigenous people they encounter in their journey.
One noteworthy aspect of the book is its deep historical significance. Sides uses meticulous research and eyewitness accounts to provide a detailed picture of the era, including the geopolitical tensions between the US and Russia, the popular fascination with Arctic exploration, and the prevailing attitudes towards race, gender, and class.
In this regard, the book provides a fascinating insight into the cultural, scientific, and political context of the time. Sides grasp on pacing is masterful, and his depictions of the harsh and treacherous terrain of the Arctic are both thrilling and chilling.
He masterfully builds up tension as the ship becomes increasingly trapped in the ice, and the crew members face starvation, cold, and disease. The descriptions of the emotional and physical tolls on the men are heart-wrenching and gut-wrenching.
One of the weaknesses of the book, however, is its structural complexity. Sides employs a broad perspective in telling the tale, which can make the narrative feel disjointed and difficult to follow at times.
Additionally, some readers may find the book too technical or too dense for easy reading, given its heavy reliance on historical data and scientific analysis. Nevertheless, In the Kingdom of Ice remains a beautifully rendered and insightful book that will appeal to readers interested in adventure, history, and the human spirit.
It highlights the triumphs and tragedies of human exploration, and the resiliency and bravery of men who faced great challenges. As such, it is a must-read for those who appreciate tales of adventure, courage, and exploration.
Overall rating: 4/5 stars.
