The Cruellest Miles : The Heroic Story of Dogs and Men in a Race Against an Epidemic - Softcover

Gay Salisbury

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0747568588 ISBN 13: 9780747568582

Publisher: Bloomsbury Paperbacks, 2004

Synopsis

It is 1925. The goldrush town of Nome sits two degrees below the Arctic Circle, and there are few more forbidding places on earth. When signs of diptheria broke out, Dr. Curtis Welch knew it was the biggest crisis of his life. Supplies of the serum were dangerously low and it was winter. There would be an epidemic if the medicine didn't arrive in time. Welch's urgent plea for help made national headlines and all of America watched with bated breath to see if an expedition could reach Nome in time. The dangers were immense for Nome was utterly isolated. The only option was to get the serum to the nearest point by rail and then use a relay of dog sleds to trek through the remaining 700 miles, night and day, and in blizzards raging at - 60 degrees. It was to be a desperate race against time - one that captured the imagination of America and turned the drivers and their heroic dogs into celebrities of the time. THE CRUELLEST MILES is the heart-pounding account of the famous Serum Run. Unbearably thrilling and tense, this is a classic story of human (and canine) endurance and heroism.

About this title

About the Author:

Gay Salisbury is the former Associate Publisher of Basic Books. Laney Salisbury, a journalist, has reported from Africa, the Middle East and New York.

Review:

'Compelling and inspiring' USA Today 'Men and dogs crossing immense distances in the Arctic winter to save dying children - there could hardly be a more inspiring topic.This is a moving story, superbly researched and deftly told.' Sebastian Junger, autor of THE PERFECT STORM 'Gay and Laney Salisbury have honoured that real and unequivocal act of group determination with a rigorous and vigorous piece of writing' Sunday Herald 'The isolation of Nome and the vastness of Alaska are vividly presented ... THE CRUELLEST MILES tells a fine yarn' Daily Telegrpah

About this edition

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Paperbacks
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0747568588
• ISBN 13: 9780747568582
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320