This thrilling memoir by the heroic African-American who was Peary's companion through two decades of Arctic exploration recounts a tale of danger, courage, and determination. "Fascinating and exciting." —Commonweal.

In 1909, after two decades of strenuous efforts, the Peary Arctic Club expedition team triumphantly arrived at the North Pole. Commander Peary and his African-American companion, Matthew Henson, had endured several failed attempts to cross hundreds of miles of frozen ocean. But with their growing skill and experience, along with the assistance of Inuit guides, the explorers successfully planted the U.S. flag at the top of the world. This is Matthew Henson's firsthand account of the epic adventure—a dramatic tale of danger, courage, and determination.
Hailed byThe New York Times as a "really valuable addition" to the literature of polar exploration, and byCommonweal as "fascinating and exciting," Henson's story begins with his early years as a sailor. His navigational expertise proved invaluable to the Peary expeditions, and although racism kept him from receiving his rightful recognition a century ago, there is no doubt that his heroism ensured the enterprise's success. Henson not only mastered the Inuit language, but he built and drove the sleds and broke the trails. He hunted game to keep the starving explorers alive, carrying crew members when they were too weak to walk. His compelling narrative recaptures all the glory of the golden age of exploration. This edition features a Foreword by Robert E. Peary and an Introduction by Booker T. Washington, in addition to six historic photographs.

Foreword
List of Illustrations
Introduction
I. The Early Years: Schoolboy, Cabin-Boy, Seaman, and Lieutenant Peary's Body-Servant—First Trips to the Arctic
II. Off for the Pole—How the Other Explorers Looked—The Lamb-Like Esquimos—Arrival at Etah
III. Finding of Rudolph Franke—Whitney Landed—Trading and Coaling—Fighting the Ice-Packs
IV. Preparing for Winter at Cape Sheridan—The Arctic Library
V. Making Peary Sledges—Hunting in the Arctic Night—The Excitable Dogs and Their Habits
VI. The Peary Plan—A Rain of Rocks—My Friends the Esquimos
VII. Sledging to Cape Columbia—Hot Soldering in Cold Weather
VIII. In Camp at Columbia—Literary Igloos—The Magnificent Desolation of the Arctic
IX. Ready for the Dash to the Pole—The Commander's Arrival
X. Forward! March!
XI. Fighting up the Polar Sea—Held Up by the "Big Lead"
XII. Pioneering the Way—Breaking Sledges
XIII. The Supporting-Parties Begin to Turn Back
XIV. Bartlett's Farthest North—His Quiet Good-By
XV. The Pole!
XVI. The Fast Trek Back to Land
XVII. Safe on the Roosevelt—Poor Marvin
XVIII. After Musk-Oxen—The Doctor's Scientific Expedition
XIX. The Roosevelt Starts for Home—Esquimo Villages—New Dogs and New Dog Fights
XX. Two Narrow Escapes—Arrival at Etah—Harry Whitney—Dr. Cook's Claims
XXI. Etah to New York—Coming of Mail and Reporters—Home!
Glossary