Book SummaryIn the Kingdom of Ice, by Hampton Sides

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of In the Kingdom of Ice

The historical backdrop was characterized by a fervent pursuit of Arctic exploration during the last years of the 19th century.

The public was deeply fascinated by the mysterious charm of the yet-to-be-explored North Pole.

The public was captivated by the mysteries of the Arctic and the collective desire to be recognized as pioneers in the quest to reach the North Pole.

The enigmatic appeal of the polar north has held the fascination of people through many ages. The site represented the ultimate challenge to human ingenuity and endurance, transcending a simple geographic location. The mystery linked to our planet's most remote northern boundary heightened the eagerness to reveal its hidden mysteries. As the 19th century drew to a close, the fascination with the Arctic's northernmost point grew stronger, culminating at a time when the world's yet-to-be-mapped regions were becoming scarce and advancements in technology implied that conquering this final frontier was possible.

Sides highlights the global intrigue that is comparable to the search for the mythical El Dorado or the lost city of Atlantis. Authors from Jules Verne to Mary Shelley frequently depicted the Arctic as a region brimming with both wonder and danger in their writings. Sides highlights the captivation of the public with tales of Arctic expeditions, perceiving these explorers as the quintessence of their era's valor, endowed with an aura of chivalrous romanticism. The enticement of enhancing national prestige further intensified the fixation. Raising a flag at the planet's extreme northern end signified not just a significant scientific achievement but also stood as a tribute to human endeavor and a source...

In the Kingdom of Ice Summary The Jeannette expedition embarked on its initial journey to the Arctic regions.

The bond between George De Long and James Gordon Bennett Jr.

The expedition's patron Bennett, renowned for his unpredictable demeanor, and De Long, the commander, both conscientiously executed their respective duties.

Descended from a family of seafarers, George De Long showed bravery as he led the Little Juniata on its mission to locate the Polaris. De Long, known for his composed and academic demeanor, maintained a strong dedication to discipline and meticulousness, while also holding aspirations for acclaim. De Long secured funding for his Arctic voyages from the unconventional proprietor of the New York Herald.

Bennett, perpetually on the hunt for captivating stories for his newspaper, was enthralled by De Long's ambitions and believed that an Arctic voyage would yield the enthralling material he sought. Sides portrays their interaction as an unusual one, characterized by a lack of clear communication and a deep-seated misapprehension of their respective characters. De Long and Bennett were individuals with a variety of differing traits. They depended mutually. Bennett provided the essential financing, equipped the reporters, and offered the ship, while De Long...

In the Kingdom of Ice Summary The Jeannette's sailors fought for survival and witnessed the vessel's ultimate destruction as it was ensnared by the frozen clutches of the ocean.

During the prolonged Arctic winter, the crew of the Jeannette demonstrated remarkable endurance.

The pervasive ennui and gloom that seeped into their daily lives was a challenge for the officers and crew, who discovered that maintaining their usual customs and ceremonies was vital for their survival.

After the ice ensnared their vessel, De Long instituted a regimen of Arctic duties aimed at preserving morale and mental health among the crew members, which encompassed tending to the boilers, documenting meteorological trends and sea depths, pursuing avian and seal prey, conducting scientific inquiries, repairing the often-damaged ship, and partaking in vigorous exercises on the icy surface, including snowshoeing, skating, and football.

The extended periods of ceaseless darkness unveiled the intrinsic characteristics and dispositions of the crew members. Melville, the engineer, showcased his exceptional mechanical skills by inventing solutions to various challenges. Nindemann, having previously faced the trials of the Polaris expedition, proved to be the crew's most adaptable and inventive individual, particularly well-equipped for the cold surroundings. The reporter...

In the Kingdom of Ice Summary The enduring pursuit to determine what happened to the lost Jeannette expedition and its lasting impacts.

William Herring spearheaded a terrestrial expedition to pinpoint the precise resting place of the ship known as the Vigilant.

The Corwin's expedition was significantly focused on the search for the Jeannette, highlighting the difficulties and unpredictability involved in exploration within the Arctic's remote areas.

In 1881, due to a mix of societal and familial influences, as well as substantial financial support from a benefactor, three US naval ships were dispatched on a rescue and search operation in the Arctic. Captain Calvin Hooper commanded the Thomas Corwin, which was tasked with searching along the coasts of Alaska and Siberia for the Jeannette.

Sides emphasizes the challenges of unraveling mysteries in the Arctic, an area marked by its profound isolation and limited human presence, by detailing one of the initial assignments undertaken by the Corwin. In 1881, with the onset of spring, Lieutenant William Herring, joined by three American sailors and a team of three Inuit dog sled drivers, embarked on a journey under Hooper's orders to investigate the northeastern seaboard of Siberia, motivated by whispers of two separate maritime disasters. The information...