The Voyage of the 'Fox' in the Arctic Seas

by Sir Frances Leopold McClintock

2012 · TouchWood Editions

In 1845, Sir John Franklin set off from England to locate and chart the elusive Northwest Passage. He and his crew of 129 men never returned. Over the following decade, forty expeditions were launched in an effort to establish the fate of the missing men. But it wasn’t until 1854 that traces of their demise were discovered along the western shore of King William Island. However, without proof, Franklin’s wife, Lady Jane, refused to believe that her husband was dead. And so, in 1857, she sponsored a final expedition. Captain Francis Leopold McClintock, a highly regarded Arctic explorer, was given command of the steam yacht Fox, and he and a crew of twenty-five set off in search of evidence. On this quest, the always-adventurous McClintock was the first European to navigate through Bellot Strait and while the Fox was frozen into the ice in winter, he and his men made long and arduous exploratory journeys by dog sled. Eventually the men reached King William Island, where they discovered a cairn at Victory Point. It contained a note, which confirmed not only that Sir John Franklin had died in 1847, but that his crew had, in fact, been the first to discover the Northwest Passage. When this news reached England, Queen Victoria bestowed the Arctic Medal on McClintock and all the officers and men of the Fox. The Voyage of the "Fox" in the Arctic Seas is Sir Francis McClintock's own thrilling account of the Fox’s journey into the Arctic, and the discovery of the fate of Sir John Franklin and his companions.

The Great Frozen Sea

by Albert Hastings Sir Markham

2019 · Good Press

In "The Great Frozen Sea," Albert Hastings Sir Markham captures the sublime and treacherous nature of polar exploration with a blend of vivid description and meticulous detail. The narrative chronicles the perilous journeys of explorers navigating the Arctic's icy expanses, showcasing the physical and psychological challenges they encounter. Markham's literary style is imbued with a keen sense of adventure and a scientific rigor that reflects the broader Victorian fascination with geography and the natural world, allowing readers to traverse both the external landscape and the inner labyrinth of human resilience against the elements. Markham, an esteemed British naval officer and explorer, drew upon his extensive experiences in the Arctic to construct this compelling work. His firsthand familiarity with the challenges of polar navigation and survival, coupled with his scientific interests, imbues the text with authenticity and depth. As a key figure in the discourse of exploration during the late 19th century, his insights reflect not just personal encounters but also the cultural zeitgeist surrounding the Age of Discovery. This enthralling narrative is a must-read for anyone interested in exploration, survival, and the boundaries of human endeavor. "The Great Frozen Sea" will appeal to historians, adventurers, and those captivated by the resilience of the human spirit in the face of insurmountable odds. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.