Life with The Esquimaux: A Narrative Of Arctic Experience In Search Of Survivors Of Sir John Franklin's Expedition
By Captain Charles Francis Hall
Published by Sampson Low, Son, And Marston: London 1865
PROVENANCE:
Wesley College Of Melbourne presentation leather binding with marbled endpapers and text block decoration.
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Charles Francis Hall (c. 1821 - November 8, 1871) was an American Arctic explorer, best known for his collection of Inuit testimony regarding the 1845 Franklin Expedition and the suspicious circumstances surrounding his death while leading the American-sponsored Polaris expedition in an attempt to be the first to reach the North Pole. The expedition was marred by insubordination, incompetence, and poor leadership.
This book
is a firsthand account of Hall's 1860-1862 journey into the Arctic. Motivated by the mystery surrounding Sir John Franklin's lost expedition, Hall traveled extensively among the Inuit (then called "Esquimaux") to gather clues, oral histories, and artifacts connected to Franklin's men. The book details not only his determined search but also the extreme challenges of Arctic travel, from the unforgiving climate to the complex navigation of ice-bound seas.
Equally significant, Hall offers a rare and respectful portrayal of the Inuit people, emphasizing their survival skills, hospitality, and knowledge of the land. He relied heavily on Inuit guides and hunters, recognizing their indispensable role in Arctic exploration. Through his narrative, Hall provided both geographical observations and cultural insights, while also keeping alive public interest in the fate of Franklin's expedition. The work remains a notable contribution to polar literature, blending adventure, ethnography, and the enduring mystery of one of the Arctic's greatest tragedies.
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General wear/rubbing to cover and spine as shown with a split to the outer front cover hinge. Covers wobbly but still attached securely. Small inscription. Light foxing to colour plates with text pages very clean. Inside hinges split. Folding map has some creases otherwise good condition with no major tears. Includes ALL 3 full page colour plates + frontispiece. Please study photos to further understand condition.
