Barrow's Boys (Paperback)

Along with the details of the trips and the men that carried them out, the Author also explains the construction of the ships, how these wooden vessels were able to break through ice instead of their being broken. There are important details noted that history too often neglects, such as the black member of the group that first crossed the Northwest Passage from West to East, and also the man of color who was there when the North Pole was attacked. The tales range from remarkable folly when officers were to wear dress uniforms when crossing the desserts of Africa to maintain the pride of Britain, to other men who adopted not only the dress of The Muslims, but also learned to speak their language!

In his position at The Admiralty and other distinguished posts, Barrow not only could direct what expeditions took place, but also those personalities that were to lead them. With this power he made or destroyed the reputations of many brave men whose only failure was that they did not succeed Barrow's terms. Most of his beliefs about The Northwest Passage, The North Pole, and the rivers and cities of Africa were wrong. Despite this, his persistence and through those men that undertook these journeys, he set in motion the travels that would fill in what were then voids on the map of the world. But while alive he was a bitter taskmaster who would brutally discredit the same courageous men he had sent to destinations never before seen by a European, if he did not gain the information and confirmation of the beliefs he held to be true. His ego came before his desire for accuracy.

Different readers will select those actions they find to be the most remarkable, for me
it was those trips that in futility sought The Northwest Passage by ship. These ships and crew would at times be gone for 2, 3, or even 4 years, depending on the whims of the ice. During one such voyage after surviving another brutal winter a vessel again made its way toward home. When once again locked in the ice for yet another winter the ship had traveled a distance that a man could easily have walked in 2 hours!

These winters, which occupied most of the calendar, were filled with activities to literally keep all members healthy and sane. Seamen who could not read or write came home literate, and the majority of the time scurvy was kept at bay by Captains that truly seemed to care for their men. There were of course Captains whose sanity could be questioned, and at least one who was certifiably a mental misfit. However these were the exception and not the rule. The Author also shares the first outside human encounter that an isolated group of Eskimos had experienced in 400 years. The story will contradict every evil cliché that has been too easily attached to those who set out on these voyages.

The book is a remarkable piece of work, which pays both tribute and passes judgment when appropriate. A wonderful piece of scholarly work that is a privilege to read.

There are some great adventure stories here, of brave men, blundering fools and gentle heroes. Travel the Sahara on a camel or with a slave convoy, drag boats and sleds across ice flows in the Arctic whilst on half rations or travel across the Canadian wilderness whilst near death from starvation. Experience the affects of scurvy and hunger whilst trapped in a wooden ship with massive icebergs slowly crushing the frame.

Read about the majestic sights seen by these intrepid travelers, pink ice, the aurora borealis and the aurora australis, Eskimo's and polar bears. Read about the tragic end to a number of these expeditions and the fate of many of the ship's crews, most notably John Franklin's 1845 expedition in the 'Erebus' and 'Terror' to find the North-West Passage.

This is a great book, the narrative flows along like a well-written novel. At times I found it hard to put the book down, reading late into the morning trying to finish a chapter. I must admit that I have no previous expertise in this field other than having read "Ice Blink" but I found the story well presented and believe that the author has done his research. This is an easy and enjoyable book to read and I think anyone who loves a good adventure story will certainly enjoy this account.