The First Crossing of Greenland

In 1988 Fridtjob Nansen embarked on a journey of exploration so audacious that it attracted almost universal ridicule. Described by one critic as 'absolute recklessness', Nansen's plan involved approaching Greenland's eastern coast through treacherous ice floes before crossing the vast expanse of inland ice by sledge and ski. However, in large part due to Nansen's detailed planning, this expedition, unlike eight previous attempts, was a resounding success. Even Greenland's Eskimos regared his achievement with awe, and Nansen received a hero's welcome when he returned to Oslo.This edition of Nansen's own account has been newly edited and contains a large number of illustrations, including photographs taken on the expedition which now form part of the National Library of Norway's Fridtjof Nansen Archive. It is a remarkable record of the expedition that confirmed Nansen as one of the greatest Arctic explorers of all time.