THE ARCTIC: ENIGMAS AND MYTHS. by Simpson-Housley, Paul - 1996

Toronto: Dundurn Press, 1996. 144 pp, 8vo (9" H). B&w maps. "(S)eeks to provide illustrations of Arctic mysteries and fictions which often occur as a result of misconceptions of Arctic geography. The chapters are extremely varied in subject matter, and conclusions are in the domain of speculation. The book begins with very early examples of northern travels starting with the probable adventures of Pytheas the Greek, Brendan the Irish monk and the four medieval odysseys of Adam of Bremen, Nicolas of Lynn, Prince Henry Sinclair and Zeno of Venice. The next chapter addresses misconceptions of polar environments, especially illusory land and visualization of mermaids and mermen. In addition, the book deals with polar myths such as the open polar sea which existed only in people's minds, but nevertheless had great influence on navigation and exploration. No account of polar enigmas would be complete without reference to the Franklin expedition, the possible fate of his lost ships and the debate over whether his men committed cannibalism. The book concludes with a deliberation on whether Cook or Perry acutally did reach the North Pole, hinting that perhaps neither of them reached their objective." Interior - clean and tight with no previous ownership marks. Exterior - very minor edge wear.. Soft Cover. Near Fine.