In 1968, Sir Wally Herbert set out from Point Barrow, Alaska, in an attempt to travel across the Arctic Ocean's longest axis (and pass over the geographic North Pole in the process). Sixteen months later, he and his three companions struck land again, in Spitsbergen, Norway, marking the conclusion of one of the greatest expeditions of all time.
For those 16 months they never touched dry land, traveling across shifting ice floes, always at risk of losing their way and vanishing into the ocean. Their accomplishment was overshadowed by the moon landing, but Across the Arctic Ocean brings new life to this nearly forgotten journey. With hundreds of stunning photographs, entries from Herbert's journals, an introduction from explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, and original documents from the Herbert collection, Across the Arctic Ocean is perfect for the adventurous and travel-minded. With the future of the Arctic threatened by climate change and development, Across the Arctic Ocean is a timely reminder of its austere glory. --Jessica Howard, blogger at Quirky Bookworm