The First Crossing of Greenland (Cambridge Library Collection - Polar Exploration)

First published in English in 1890, this book by Norwegian explorer and scientist Fridtjof Nansen (1861-1930) recounts the first crossing of the Greenland interior in 1888, an expedition that took two months. Learning from previous failed attempts, Nansen suggested crossing from the uninhabited east to the inhabited west of Greenland, an innovation that proved successful. Nansen's account was translated by Hubert Majendie Gepp and includes an introduction written by the secretary of the Royal Geographical Society. Volume 2 begins with the party setting out for the west, and includes lextensive descriptions of the climate and encounters with Inuit peoples. The book closes with the party reaching the west coast and journeying home. Volume 2 also includes an appendix of the scientific discoveries of the expedition. Nansen, who later served as delegate to the League of Nations, was awarded the 1922 Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian endeavours.