Roland Huntford’s “Nansen” is an engaging biography of the renowned Norwegian explorer and humanitarian, Fridtjof Nansen. This authoritative work details Nansen’s remarkable accomplishments and contributions to science, exploration, and humankind. It is a riveting examination of Nansen’s rich and varied life, as well as his influence on modern-day Arctic exploration.
Fridtjof Nansen was born in Norway in 1861. His career began as a physicist and zoologist, a major area of research for him later on in life. He was a lecturer of zoology at the University of Kristiania, and also developed several techniques for preserving specimens used in zoology and comparative anatomy studies. Later on, he used these techniques to develop techniques of oceanographic research. Nansen is best known for his polar exploration expeditions. His first polar exploration began in 1888, when he took a small steamship, the Fram, and ventured into the unknown Arctic.
With a crew of thirteen hardy men, Nansen courageously navigated the infamous Northeast Passage - an impossible journey some said could not be done. Due to the harsh conditions, only Nansen survived. However, the route he charted became a platform for further explorations; a journey made possible thanks to Nansen’s courage, skills and perseverance. During this era, Nansen also broke several records for traveling the furthest North in a small sailing vessel.
After his polar expedition, Nansen achieved more fame as a diplomat but was never quite as successful as he had been as an explorer. He was appointed as Norway's first minister overseas, and worked to secure Norwegian independence during the First World War. He sought an independent Scandinavian union and often spoke out in defense of those in need. Nansen fled to Switzerland in the face of Nazi persecution and died there in 1930.
Roland Huntford’s book paints a captivating picture of Nansen’s astounding accomplishments and contribution to our cultural memory. He takes his readers on a journey through Nansen’s life, exploring his great ambition and courage to persevere in the most difficult conditions. Huntford also explores Nansen’s other pursuits, including his humanitarian work, zoological studies, and even his spiritual motivations. He explains in great detail the various aspects of Nansen’s incredible life, laying out each episode with the utmost precision and clarity. Through Huntford’s storytelling, the reader sees Nansen as a man of exceptional courage and perseverance.
Huntford’s biography of Nansen has been praised by scholars and readers alike. It captures the man’s inspiring drive of innovation and his willingness to take risks in a compelling and informative way. Huntford deftly combines historic scholarship with gripping story-telling to provide the reader with a vivid and complete picture of Nansen’s ambitions and accomplishments. For anyone interested in learning more about the life of the amazing Fridtjof Nansen, Roland Huntford’s book is a must-read.
