Memoirs of Hans Hendrik, the Arctic Traveller, Serving under Kane, Hayes, Hall and Nares, 1853–1876
Translated from the Eskimo Language

First published in 1878, this English translation of a Greenlander's memoirs provides a valuable alternative perspective on nineteenth-century polar expeditions.

Hans Hendrik (Author), Henry Rink (Translated by), George Stephens (Edited by)

9781108070980, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 21 August 2014

112 pages, 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 0.7 cm, 0.15 kg

First published in 1878, this English translation of the memoirs of Hans Hendrik (c.1834–89), a native Greenlander, provides a valuable alternative perspective on polar exploration in the nineteenth century. Inuit were often employed on Arctic expeditions of the period. Hendrik is remarkable, however, not only because his skills as a guide and hunter were called on repeatedly during several expeditions - notably those led by Elisha Kent Kane, Isaac Israel Hayes, Charles Francis Hall and George Strong Nares - but also because he wrote his own account of these experiences. The memoirs show that Hendrik distinguished himself through his application of survival skills and that he dealt with numerous challenges, including the forced abandonment of ship and drifting for months on an ice floe. Instances of sickness and malnutrition are also recorded, as is the poor treatment that Hendrik and other Inuit sometimes experienced from their employers.

Introduction
1. The author's home
2. Second northern journey
3. Third journey to the north
4. Fourth journey to the north.

Subject Areas: Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography [JHMC]