Through private letters and diaries, the author presents a day-by-day chronicle of the true story of the 25 men who in 1881 set sail to establish a scientific base in the Artic region of Lady Franklin Bay. Three years later, only three returned.

A superb account of the American Navy's boldest and most tragically ill-fated effort to reach the North Pole.

"A gripping tale,""--The Washington Post"

"Truly exciting,""--The Atlantic Monthly"

"Beautifully executed narrative,""--Kirkus Reviews"

.,."Uncovers intriguing new information, including the reason the expedition's full story was never revealed.""--The Cleveland Plain Dealer"

"Uncommonly stirring,""--John Barkham Reviews"

"On all levels, a book worth reading,""--The New York Times Book Review"