Download A Wretched and Precarious Situation In Search of the Last Arctic Frontier David Welky Books

Product details Paperback 528 pages Publisher W. W. Norton & Company; 1 edition (November 21, 2017) Language English ISBN-10 9780393354829 ISBN-13 978-0393354829 ASIN 0393354822

A Wretched and Precarious Situation In Search of the Last Arctic Frontier David Welky Books Reviews

• This book has the two things a great non-fic has to have--a good story I want to hear, and one that's well-written. I so appreciate the writing ability of this author. To handle so deftly the volume of detail in this book was no easy task. In lesser hands it would have bogged down. Not only did I learn a great deal about Arctic explorations and explorers (with lots of great info on those who came before), but also about the social setting of these amazing men (and women too once you get into the cold--much appreciated). And thank you to the publisher for including so many great photos. When one gets to know Borup and Mac and the others so intimately, it's nice to see them in clear photos too. I loved it!
• I have a vast collection of books on Arctic exploration and Arctic life. I’m fairly familiar with the regions that form the basis of the story, having traveled extensively by ski in both Greenland and Ellsmere Island as well as having made the crossing from Ellsmere to Greenland across the Davis Strait. This is the best book I’ve ever encountered that portrays the area accurately and honestly fron a ski level perspective and gives the reader a very realistic taste of what Arctic travel and living is like. Wrapping it around a tale of crass ambition and an amazingly diverse and eccentric cast of characters, the author has created an historical work that is both informative and incredibly entertaining. The final chapters describing the rest of the explorers lives was sensitive and touching; the final page reduced me to tears. An absolutely wonderful book.
• Completely absorbing and compelling. The writing brings the details to life and holds you on the edge of your seat with suspense even when you know (or could easily find out from a map or an internet search) how it turns out. The narrative takes you along on their journey and won't let you go--this book offers a great escape from the daily grind of postmodern life with digital distraction-- a thrilling read.
• This book is an incredibly well researched page turner. It is a great example of epic historical literature in the vein of The Perfect Storm or Endurance. Welky's style is engaging and authoritative at rhe same time. A first-rate read.
• I enjoyed this book more than I expected. As I'd hoped, it reads like a good historical novel and exposed me to a new world. I wasn't familiar with the history of polar exploration so I was moved right along with the adventure. Highly recommended.
• A well written an thoroughly researched book reveals much about life in America a century ago. No pure heroes here just real people brought to life by an excellent writer.
• This is an excellent read. The text is well written with a riveting story line that is exciting, factual and historical. I was raised in cold weather and I totally understand the challenges encountered on their adventure. This is a book that I will remember for the remainder of my life and I would have missed out had I not read it. If you are looking for a book to touch your human adventure senses this is it. Hardship normally brings out the best in humans and in many instances that was the case in this book. Also, there can be a dark side to these kinds of challenges and those were very much evident in this book also. An all around well written book that proves again that reading is very rewarding.
• Great Read, well written, descriptions of the struggle these great explorers endured left a lasting impression. Enjoyed the entire book.