Frozen in Time: Unlocking the Secrets of the Doomed 1845 Arctic Expedition

Tells the story of the ill-fated expedition to find the Northwest Passage, and the 1984 scientific expedition that uncovered the preserved remains of three expedition members

YA-- One of the great mysteries of the 19th Century was the fate of the HMS Erebus and the HMS Terror, two ships of the British Royal Navy which disappeared on their second Arctic expedition. Remains found later indicated that the explorers had suffered a horrible death, enduring starvation and in some cases turning to cannibalism. Canadian anthropologist Beattie hoped that Arctic temperatures would help contemporary scientists decipher the puzzle. Applying modern scientific methods, Beattie's team shed new light on the reasons behind the demise of a scientific expedition which had been the most lavishly outfitted, scientifically up-to-date expedition ever mounted when it sailed in 1845. This book enables readers to actually look into the faces of men who died almost 150 years ago--so perfect has been their preservation in Arctic ice. The pictures taken by Beattie which illustrate and document the two summers which the Canadian team spent in Arctic ice grab readers and don't let go. Science, geography, and history students will benefit from this intriguing book.
- Gwen Salama, Hastings High School, Alief, Tex.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.