Karen H. reviewed on 4/14/2014 + 35 more book reviews

This book should be included in the annals of Arctic exploration literature. It is a translation of Albanov's account of his escape from the ice-bound ship Santa Anna. After a year and a half the Russian ship remained ice-bound in the frigid arctic Kara Sea with no hope of escape. With tempers just short of mutiny, the navigator Albanov requested and obtained permission from the captain to leave the ship and begin the dangerous trek across the sea ice to find Franz Joseph land and safety. Initially 15 men decided to go with him, but two returned to the ship. This is Albanov's narrative of their journey. I have read other narratives, such as the Jeannette and the Karluk, and Albanov's is notable for his exquisite description of arctic scenery, and his matter-of-fact and honest portrayal of his feelings and observations. Introspective and poetic at times, it is well written and the translation is superlative. A must-add to any collection of Arctic exploration literature and an intersting and compelling read.

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