Finding the North Pole

On September 1, 1909 the civilized world received word through the public press that Dr. Frederick A. Cook had discovered the North Pole on April 21, 1908. Only 4 days later Commander Robert E. Peary announced that he had arrived at the North Pole on April 6, 1909.
Originally published in 1909, FINDING THE NORTH POLE presents both Cooks' own story of his discovery, and the story of Commander Peary's discovery, together with the record of former arctic expeditions. Their stories are inspiring examples of human spirit and perseverance.
Historians and explorers alike will find this book to be full of valuable lessons, information, and entertainment.

"The sensation was without parallel in the history of polar discovery."
In an age before GPS equipment, how did these two men prove that the northern-most point on the globe truly exists? What compels a person to enter into the coldest regions, stake out the North Pole by compass, and defiantly pierce a flag of success into the frozen tundra? Renowned American explorers Dr. Frederick A. Cook and Commander Robert E. Peary would argue that an arctic trek towards this fabled destination was worth every moment of the frostbiting cold, meager rations, and unexpected findings.
Finding the North Pole, as edited by Charles Morris, is a testimony to the perilous adventures of two men determined to earn the world's admiration for their tenacity. Within the timeframe of one year and fifteen days, two men from the same nation separately laid claim to one of the most sought-after destinations in the Arctic, seemingly etching their names into the icy landscape forever. Cook's April 21, 1908 and Peary's April 6, 1909 are dates by which the world knew that one of the last uncharted places on the globe had been finally conquered.
Let the introduction by George W. Melville be a guide for armchair traveling through these pages' glacial snows. A Rear Admiral U.S. Navy (Retired), the survivor of three arctic expeditions who was given a gold medal by Congress for his distinguished services, Admiral Melville, one of the most experienced arctic explorers, is an authority of the first rank on this subject. Robert Peary's and Frederick Cook's paths crossed after Peary's tropical military service redirected him and his family northward, while Cook's experiences with other arctic expeditions and extensive mountaineering led him towards this greater challenge.

GEORGE W. MELVILLE, Rear Admiral U.S. Navy, was the survivor of three arctic expeditions. He was one of the most experienced Arctic explorers and was an authority of the first rank on the subject of Arctic travels.