NORTHWARD OVER THE 'GREAT ICE'; A NARRATIVE OF LIFE AND WORK ALONG THE SHORES AND UPON THE INTERIOR ICE-CAP OF NORTHERN GREENLAND IN THE YEARS 1886 AND 1891-1897... TWO VOLUMES. 1898, 1st edition. 521, 625 pp, many photos, ills, map. A handsome set of books describing some of Peary's earliest North Pole bound expeditions.
A very well-illustrated account of reconnaissance of Greenland inland ice in 1886 which included a man-drawn sledge trip east of Kisko Bay to about 100 miles from edge of glaciers, and an account of the North Greenland Expedition of 1891-2, determining the insularity of Greenland, delineating the northern extension of the icecap, remarks on Polar Eskimos, record of successful sledge journey across the icecap to Peary Land and return. There is also an account of the discovery of the Cape-York meteorites. This was Peary's first arctic expedition and gave him the experience needed to later mount the North Pole expedition.
Peary's first of three books written about his expeditions to reach the North Pole. These volumes cover three of eight trips through Greenland toward the North Pole, including the controversial 'Bringing home of the 'Saviksue,' or Great Cape-York Meteorites.' Despite questionable gaps in the evidence supporting Peary's North Pole claim, his successive furthest north records and adventurous spirit made the American explorer a hero in the United States. After some debate, Peary would be recognized by Congress and the National Geographic society as the first to reach the North Pole, thereby discrediting the claim of his fiercest rival, Dr. Frederick Cook.
Both books are original blue cloth with white letters and design, the front covers are very bright and clean although the spines are darkened. If not for the darkening they would actually describe as Fine condition, so overall Very Good.
