In Northern Mists: Arctic Exploration in Early Times

Nansen took five years to complete his history of Arctic exploration, expanding beyond his initial intentions. Due to the unreliability of earlier accounts, he went back to the original sources. Presented here is a wealth of information including - Hecataeus of Miletus (5th century BC), Pytheas’ voyage to Thule (4th century BC), the works of Latin scholars in the early Middle Ages (5th-10th century), Finns and the first settlement of Scandinavia (9th century), Norse voyages and the discovery of Iceland and Greenland (8th century), voyages to the uninhabited parts of Greenland (13th century), the decline of Norse settlements in Greenland (14th century), Norwegian expeditions to the White Sea (13th century), 15th century maps, Cabot and the English discovery of America (15th century), Portuguese discoveries in the North-West (early 16th century), and more. Also included is a ‘List of the More Important Works Referred to’. The original Norwegian edition was published in parts and this translation includes Nansen’s corrections and additions to the original text. A monumental work.

AB 11993, Karrow 504.

Nichols, Rev. Harry P. (1850 – 1940) – He was a founding member of the AAC, Councilor (1902-10, 20-22, 26-28), President (1923-25), member Alpine Club of Canada. Nichols’ climbing began in the Alps (1878, ‘87, ‘96), followed by trips to the Selkirks (2nd ascent of Mt. Fox (1893) and 1st ascent of Mt. Balfour (1898), and numerous trips to NH’s White Mountains (250 ascents of Mt. Washington). Under his leadership membership grew by 25%.

DPL (Denver Public Library) – For a time, the AAC held its Rocky Mountain Regional Depository Collection at the Denver Public Library. A change in the Denver Library’s policy resulted in this collection of AAC books being relocated to the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1981 with some portion then returning to the Club’s Library.

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