At the Mercy of the Winds: Two Remarkable Journeys to the North Pole: A Modern Hero and a Victorian Romance [Hardcover]

David Hempleman-Adams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2001

This is the story of how David Hempleman-Adams undertook a 1600 mile journey to the North Pole by balloon in an open-air wicker basket. He revisits the trip that inspired him—an ill-fated Swedish expedition in 1897 that had a doomed love affair at the heart of its tale.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

When an obsessed adventurer adds to his list of accomplishments a balloon journey to the North Pole, there must be a story worth telling. When an equally obsessed adventurer attempts the same feat more than a century earlier, the contrast of the two experiences insures a riveting read. In July 1897, Norwegian Salomon Andree, accompanied by Nils Strindberg and Knut Frankel, headed for the North Pole only to crash three days later and then spend the next two and a half months trekking over polar ice in a vain attempt to survive. Inspired by this ill-fated expedition, Englishman Hempleman-Adams, whose previous heroic exploits have been documented in Walking on Thin Ice and Toughing It Out, set out to reach the North Pole by balloon in May 2000. The solo flight lasted just a week and ended in triumph. In this detailed account, Hempleman-Adams tells the stories of both journeys and includes original photographs and documents from the Swedish expedition. Strindberg's ill-fated love story, which plays a prominent part in the early adventure, is perhaps given too much attention. Furthermore, neither Hempleman-Adams nor Andree are particularly symphathetic characters. However, the book is filled with fascinating details that make up for these weaknesses. Recommended for most libraries. Janet Ross, formerly with Sparks Branch Lib., NV
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Lovers of true adventure need look no further than this account of a dramatic flight to the North Pole by balloon. On 3 June 2000, David Hempleman-Adams touched down in Spitzbergen after an epic journey, one inspired by an ill-fated Swedish expedition of over a century ago. By the end of his own dramatic - and successful - record-breaking bid, Hempleman-Adams was the first man to have ever reached the Pole by his chosen means. This prompt recording of his achievement is impressive on several counts. First of all, as a journal of raw human courage, past and present. Second, as a piece of adventure writing and, lastly, as a new episode in the annals of Arctic exploration. The book covers both the previous, doomed expedition as well as the more recent triumphs, all written in impeccable accounts that are irresistible. By featuring original love letters and original photographs from the earlier expedition, as well as all the most up-to-date info available on the latest one, readers will surely throw themselves on this "Mercy".

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Transworld Publishers (June 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0593047478
• ISBN-13: 978-0593047477
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,635,371 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)