I like reading about polar exploration and have quite a few books on the subject. This latest filled in a substantial gap in my knowledge. Most polar explorers were largely hailed as hero's upon their return regardless the type of travel they chose.

It did not take long, however, to adopt the indigenous populations customs as per mode of travel and clothing to be worn. Diet was a tougher matter with the Westerners having a rough time without bread and having to exist on a largely all meat type of diet. Some did not fare well eating Walrus blubber, aged bird eggs and seal eyes.

As per the ignorant savages it is far more complicated a scenario than one might first think. Certainly the public at large thought that. And in some cases they would be absolutely correct. What most people don't understand is the large variance found in different cultures and tribes. Look to Lewis and Clarks accounts. Some tribes they met were to be admired. Clean, organized and sophisticated people whom you could trust with your life. Other tribes were slovenly and filthy and you had to watch your personal effects very carefully indeed as thievery was commonplace.

If polar adventure might interest you the absolute best book I have read bar none (and amongst my favorite reads of all time) is Peter Freuchens book Arctic Adventure. It is simply an amazing read and chronicles his life living with the Eskimos. You will gain an incredible appreciation of these fine people as well as be hugely entertained by some extraordinary adventures told by a very readable author. Absolutely a superb read.