Eskimo Life

In 1888–9, Fridtjof Nansen and his team wintered among the Greenlandic Inuit. This translated account was published in 1893.

Fridtjof Nansen (Author), William Archer (Translated by)

9781108061957, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 27 June 2013

402 pages, 31 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.3 cm, 0.51 kg

In later life the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work, the Norwegian explorer and scientist Fridtjof Nansen (1861–1930) led the team that in 1888 made the first successful crossing of Greenland's interior. Finding themselves cut off from the rest of the world for the winter, Nansen and his men spent several months living among the Greenlandic Inuit. Although 'far too short a time in which to attain a thorough knowledge', it was nevertheless sufficient to form a strong acquaintance and affection. First published in 1893, this English translation of the 1891 Norwegian original offers a valuable insight into much that was, and remains, foreign and peculiar to European experience. The coverage ranges from culinary to linguistic observations, and Nansen is by turns repulsed, fascinated and full of compassion, asking what the future holds for a people 'already stung with the venom of our civilisation'.

Translator's preface
Author's preface
1. Greenland and the Eskimo
2. Appearance and dress
3. The 'kaiak' and its appurtenances
4. The Eskimo at sea
5. Winter-houses, tents, woman-boats, and excursions
6. Cookery and dainties
7. Character and social conditions
8. The position and work of women
9. Love and marriage
10. Morals
11. Judicial proceedings, and entertainment
12. Mental gifts and art
13. Religious ideas
14. The introduction of Christianity
15. Europeans and natives
16. What have we achieved
17. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Physical anthropology [JHMP]