A Negro Explorer at the North Pole
The narrative recounts the life and experiences of a man born in Maryland in 1866, who became a key figure in Arctic exploration. He details his early life, education, and eventual introduction to Commander Peary, with whom he embarked on numerous Arctic expeditions. The work serves as both an autobiography and a historical account of the final expedition that led to the discovery of the North Pole in 1909. The author describes the grueling conditions faced during the expeditions, including extreme cold, treacherous ice, and the constant threat of death. He emphasizes the camaraderie among the crew and the vital role of the Eskimo companions, who provided invaluable assistance and support throughout the journey. The narrative highlights the challenges of navigating the Arctic landscape, the physical and mental toll on the explorers, and the deep respect the author developed for the indigenous people he encountered. As the expedition progresses, the author documents the hardships endured, including the loss of fellow explorers and the struggle for survival in the harsh environment. The narrative culminates in the triumphant moment when Peary and his team reach the North Pole, a feat marked by the planting of the American flag. The author reflects on the significance of this achievement, not only for himself and Peary but for the broader context of exploration and human endeavor. The work concludes with the return journey, the challenges faced in navigating back to civilization, and the emotional weight of the experiences shared with his companions. The author expresses a longing for the Arctic and a desire to continue exploring, underscoring the profound impact of the journey on his life and identity.
By Matthew Henson · First published 1912 · Genre: Biography, Adventure, History · 21 chapters · 39,491 words
First lines
When the news of the discovery of the North Pole, by Commander Peary, was first sent to the world, a distinguished citizen of New York City, well versed in the affairs of the Peary Arctic Club, made the statement, that he was sure that Matt Henson had been with Commander Peary on the day of the discovery. There were not many people who knew who Henson was, or the reason why the gentleman had made the remark, and, when asked why he was so certain, he explained that, for the best part of the twenty years of Commander Peary's Arctic work, his faithful and often only companion was Matthew Alexander Henson.
What this Textopian page supports
A Negro Explorer at the North Pole is listed on Textopian as a historical account by Matthew Henson, dated 1912 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Historical account
- Author: Matthew Henson
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Biography, Adventure, History, Travel Literature, Non-fiction
- Length: 39,491 words
- Structure: 21 chapters, 362 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Negro Explorer at the North Pole by Matthew Henson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Negro Explorer at the North Pole?
- How does this historical account by Matthew Henson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Biography first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Wonderful Adventures Of Mrs Seacole In Many Lands by Mary Seacole
- Real Soldiers Of Fortune by Richard Harding Davis
- Fultons First Steamboat by James Baldwin
- South by Ernest Shackleton
- The Reporter Who Made Himself King by Richard Harding Davis
- The Art Of Archaeology by Oscar Wilde
Genres
- Biography — The book recounts the life and experiences of Matthew Henson, detailing his role in the North Pole expedition.
- Adventure — The narrative focuses on the exploration of the North Pole, highlighting the challenges and discoveries during the journey.
- History — It provides historical context regarding Arctic exploration and the contributions of African Americans.
- Travel Literature — The book describes the geographical and cultural aspects of the Arctic region encountered during the expedition.
Tags
Exploration · Adventure · Travel · Non-Fiction · Biography · Autobiography · African American History · Polar Exploration · North Pole · Arctic · Discovery · Survival
Contents
- The Early Years: Schoolboy, Cabin-Boy, Seaman, and Lieutenant Peary's Body-Servant -- First Trips to the Arctic
- Off for the Pole -- how the other Explorers Looked -- the Lamblike Eskimos -- Arrival at Etah
- Finding of Rudolph Franke -- Whitney Landed -- Trading and Coaling -- Fighting the Ice-Packs
- Preparing for Winter at Cape Sheridan -- the Arctic Library
- Making Peary Sledges -- Hunting in the Arctic Night -- the Excitable Dogs and their Habits
- The Peary Plan -- a Rain of Rocks -- my Friends the Eskimos
- Sledging to Cape Columbia -- Hot Soldering in Cold Weather
- In Camp at Columbia -- Literary Igloos -- the Magnificent Desolation of the Arctic
- Ready for the Dash to the Pole -- the Commander's Arrival
- Forward! March!
- Fighting up the Polar Sea -- Held up by the "Big Lead."
- Pioneering the Way -- Breaking Sledges
- The Supporting-Parties Begin to Turn Back
- Bartlett's Farthest North -- his Quiet Goodbye
- The Pole!
- The Fast Trek Back to Land
- Safe on the Roosevelt -- Poor Marvin
- After Musk-Oxen -- the Doctor's Scientific Expedition
- The Roosevelt Starts for Home -- Eskimo Villages -- New Dogs and New Dog Fights
- Two Narrow Escapes -- Arrival at Etah -- Harry Whitney -- Dr. Cook's Claims
- Etah to New York -- Coming of Mail and Reporters -- Home!