THE  SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST

OF  THE  NORTH  POLE

PREFACE

My chief object in compiling this work has been to supplya brief account of the main efforts which have been madeto reach the North Pole. The subject is now so extensivethat few have the opportunity of covering the wholeground. While the exciting and specially interestingincidents have not been omitted, the book aims at givingthe reader an intelligent idea of the equipment andother means by which the work of exploration has beencarried on.

The many expeditions which have set out to find anorth-west or a north-east passage do not come withinthe scope of the book, except when they have had somespecial bearing on the struggle for the Pole.

Those who may wish to pursue the subject further byconsulting the original authors can be assured that noworks of fiction relate greater deeds of heroism than arefound in the records of Arctic exploration; and that whilethey may satisfy their love for the adventurous they willadd something to their geographical knowledge.

It is hoped that the maps may be of considerable assistancein enabling the reader to follow the narrative. Thespelling of geographical and other names is generally thatadopted by the authors of the original works.

GEORGE BRYCE.

Birmingham, December 1909.

CONTENTS AND LIST OF MAPS