In this gripping narrative, Matthew Henson recounts his journey as a key member of Robert Peary's team during their groundbreaking 1909 expedition to the North Pole. While Peary is often credited with reaching the pole, Henson’s story reveals that he was crucial to the success of the mission. As an expert navigator, skilled dog handler, and the first person to accompany Peary on all of his polar expeditions, Henson's role in the achievement is often understated—but in this memoir, he sets the record straight.
Henson’s story begins with his humble beginnings in Maryland, where he was born in 1866, and follows his rise to prominence in the world of Arctic exploration. Despite the racial prejudice of his time, Henson proved himself an indispensable member of Peary’s team. His knowledge of the land, ability to survive in harsh conditions, and intimate understanding of the Inuit way of life made him an invaluable resource during the expedition. Henson also details his relationship with the Inuit people, whose skills and guidance were critical to the success of their journey.
The book takes readers through the dramatic and often harrowing details of their journey through the frozen Arctic, facing extreme cold, treacherous terrain, and the constant threat of death. Henson vividly describes the hardships and triumphs of the expedition, including the final, triumphant arrival at what they believed to be the North Pole—a feat that made headlines around the world, even though the exact location remains a subject of debate.
However, Henson’s memoir is more than just an account of an extraordinary expedition. It is also a powerful narrative of resilience, perseverance, and racial pride. As one of the few African American men in the field of polar exploration, Henson faced racial discrimination at every turn, yet he rose above it to play an essential role in one of history’s most significant achievements. In doing so, he challenged the racial norms of his time and proved that African Americans could achieve greatness in fields where they were traditionally excluded.
