In the Kingdom of Ice | Hampton Sides | Talks at Google

TL;DR

An untold and extraordinary survival story of the ill-fated Jeanette expedition in the late 19th century.

Transcript

MALE SPEAKER: Welcome everybody to one more Authors at Google Talk. Today with us is Hampton Sides with his new book "In the Kingdom of Ice." In the late 19th century, people were obsessed by one of the last unmapped areas of the globe, the North Pole. No one knew what existed beyond the fortress of ice rimming the northern oceans. Well, the theori... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤗 The Jeanette expedition aimed to reach the North Pole and prove or disprove the theories of an open polar sea.
• 😋 The crew faced extreme challenges, including harsh weather, polar bears, and lack of food, during their two-year stint on the ice.
• 💠 The role of August Petermann's theories and the influence of James Gordon Bennett Jr. in funding the expedition shaped its course.
• 🙂 The personal letters of Emma DeLong shed light on the emotional struggles of the crew and add a human element to the story.
• 🪛 The expedition's ultimate fate and the incredible survival story of the crew make it a compelling tale of heroism and determination.
• 🌎 The story of the Jeanette expedition offers insights into the Gilded Age and America's attempt to stake its claim in the Arctic.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the theories of August Petermann influence the Jeanette expedition?

August Petermann believed in the existence of an open polar sea and warm currents that sustained life at the North Pole. Captain DeLong's decision to sail towards this area was influenced by Petermann's theories.

Q: What were the conditions like during the two years the crew spent on the ice?

The crew faced constant challenges, including harsh weather, snow blindness, lack of food, and the constant threat of polar bears. They had to adapt and survive in extreme conditions.

Q: How did the crew of the Jeanette communicate with the outside world?

The crew had telegraph and telephone equipment on board, allowing them to communicate over long distances. However, their communication was limited due to the remote nature of their expedition.

Q: What was the significance of Emma DeLong's letters?

Emma DeLong, George DeLong's wife, sent letters to her husband in the hope that they would reach him during the expedition. These letters provide a unique perspective on the emotional and personal side of the expedition and add depth to the story.

Q: How did the crew survive during the two years on the ice?

The crew relied on hunting polar bears, seals, and walrus for food. They also had to navigate the treacherous and shifting ice, keeping their boats afloat and maintaining their equipment in order to survive.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Jeanette expedition was an official US Naval expedition in the late 19th century to reach the North Pole.

• Led by Captain George Washington DeLong, the crew faced numerous challenges including snow blindness, polar bears, storms, and starvation.

• Despite not reaching their intended destination, the crew demonstrated heroism and determination, resulting in an extraordinary survival story.