3 Review(s)

In the book, Henson tells the story of his journeys to the Arctic, including his role as Peary's chief assistant and his experiences living among the Inuit people of Greenland. Henson's account provides a unique perspective on the Arctic expeditions of the early 20th century and sheds light on the important role that Inuit guides and assistants played in those expeditions.Henson's journey to the North Pole in 1909 with Peary is a particularly remarkable achievement, as he was the first African-American to reach the North Pole. Henson's account of the journey is vivid and engaging, and he provides fascinating details about the harsh conditions, the physical and emotional challenges of the journey, and the relationships between the members of the expedition.Throughout the book, Henson reflects on the racial prejudices he faced as a black man in a white-dominated field, and he describes the ways in which he and the Inuit people were mistreated and exploited by some of the white members of the expeditions. Despite these challenges, Henson's determination, perseverance, and deep respect for the Inuit people enabled him to make significant contributions to the expeditions and to the field of Arctic exploration."A Negro Explorer at the North Pole" is an important historical document that sheds light on the achievements and contributions of African-Americans and Inuit people in the field of Arctic exploration. It is also a fascinating and engaging memoir that provides a window into a remarkable period of human history.