THE SIEGE AND CONQUEST OF THE NORTH POLE THE SIEGE AND CONQUEST OF THE NORTH POLE BY GEORGE BRYCE, L.R.C.P. & S. (EDIN.) L O N D O N GIBBINGS & COMPANY LIMITED 18 BURY STREET, W.C. 1910 PREFACE My chief object in compiling this work has been to supply a brief account of the main efforts which have been made to reach the North Pole. The subject is now so extensive that few have the opportunity of covering the whole ground. While the exciting and specially interesting incidents have not been omitted, the book aims at giving the reader an intelligent idea of the equipment and other means by which the work of exploration has been carried on. The many expeditions which have set out to find a north-west or a north-east passage do not come within the scope of the book, except when they have had some special bearing on the struggle for the Pole. Those who may wish to pursue the subject further by consulting the original authors can be assured that no works of fiction relate greater deeds of heroism than are found in the records of Arctic exploration; and that while they may satisfy their love for the adventurous they will add something to their geographical knowledge. It is hoped that the maps may be of considerable assistance in enabling the reader to follow the narrative. The spelling of geographical and other names is generally that adopted by the authors of the original works. GEORGE BRYCE. BIRMINGHAM, _December 1909_. CONTENTS AND LIST OF MAPS I. PARRY’S EXPEDITION OF 1827 II. KANE’S EXPEDITION (1853, ’54, ’55) III. EXPEDITION COMMANDED BY DR. HAYES IN 1860−61 IV. THE GERMAN EXPEDITION (1869−70) V. VOYAGE OF THE _POLARIS_ (1871−73) VI. THE AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN EXPEDITION (1872−74) VII. THE BRITISH EXPEDITION OF 1875−76 VIII. THE VOYAGE OF THE _JEANNETTE_ (1879−81) IX. GREELY’S EXPEDITION (1881−84) X. THE NORWEGIAN POLAR EXPEDITION (1893−96) XI. SVERDRUP’S EXPEDITION (1898−1902) XII. ITALIAN EXPEDITION (1899−1900) XIII. PEARY’S EXPEDITIONS (1886−1909) XIV. DR. COOK’S EXPEDITION (1907−9) MAPS