The German Arctic Expedition of 1869–70
And Narrative of the Wreck of the Hansa in the Ice

This account, by its commander, of a German Arctic expedition was published in English translation in 1874.

Karl Koldewey (Author), Lewis Mercier (Edited and translated by), Henry Walter Bates (Edited by)

9781108074865, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 6 November 2014

672 pages, 70 b/w illus. 4 colour illus. 2 maps
21.6 x 14 x 3.8 cm, 0.84 kg

This heavily illustrated book is an account of a German Arctic expedition, published in 1873–4 by its commander Karl Koldewey (1837–1908) and in this English translation in 1874. The states of northern Germany had a long tradition of trade and exploration in northern waters. As the German empire came into being, two major expeditions were launched, both commanded by Koldewey. The second, of 1869–70, consisted of two vessels, the Germania and the Hansa, a supply ship. The Hansa became separated in fog, failed to reach the fallback rendezvous, was icebound, and finally sank, while the crew survived for nine months on a diminishing ice floe until they reached the coast of Greenland in their surviving small boats. The Germania reached the north of Greenland before encountering pack ice, and was successful in surveying the coast and collecting botanical specimens, before returning safely in 1870.

Introduction
Part I. Joint Passage of the Two Ships, and Voyage of the Hansa: 1. Joint voyage of the Germania and the Hansa
2. Further passage of the two ships to the ice
3. To the separation of the ships on 20 July
4. Further voyage of the Hansa up to her blockade in the coast-ice
5. From the blocking up of the Hansa to the settlement upon the floe
6. Drifting to the south
7. Post nubila Phoebus
8. Journey along the coast of Greenland
9. Further stay in Friedrichsthal
10. Lichtenau
11. In Julianeshab
12. Kaksimiut
Part II. Voyage of the Germania: 1. Continuation of the voyage after separation from the Hansa
2. Pendulum Island
3. Shannon Island
4. Further coasting of the Germania
5. Sledge-journey to the Fligely Fjord
6. Preparations for wintering
7. Sledge-journey to Clavering Island
8. Winter night
9. First month of 1870
10. Long sledge-journey on the coast northwards
11. Sledge-journey to Ardencaple Inlet
12. Hunting and animal life in east Greenland
13. Sledge-journeys in spring
14. Excursions to Sabine and Clavering Islands
15. The Germania steams northwards
16. Coast voyage of the Germania
17. Sailing into the fjord
18. Return to Bremerhaven
Conclusion
Appendix.

Subject Areas: Historical geography [HBTP]