Trial by Ice: The True Story of Murder and Survival on the 1871 Polaris Expedition

by Richard Parry

Book Overview

In 1871, the Polaris sailed with great fanfare from New York harbor and began a historic journey to one of the earth's final frontiers. Seven months later, a handful of half-starved survivors returned... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345439252
• ISBN13: 9780345439253
• Release Date: February 2001
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 321 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Harrowing tale of Arctic survival

Mr. Parry tells the story of the Polaris expedition in a highly readable fashion. Gleaning facts from the sailor's journals and court testimonies, he paints the grim picture of what occured on this tragic journey. Although C. F. Hall had grand plans to reach the North Pole, he was thwarted on many levels. Most of the men he wanted along on the journey were passed over and others placed under his command had little regard for this self-taught man. Hall had the hardiness to succeed and hard won knowledge of survival in the inhospitable Arctic climate, but he was undermined again and again by men who had their own agendas. Conflicts arose along lines of nationality and difference of opinion as to the more important tasks of the expedition - finding the North Pole or scientific research of the region. Hall dies a terrible death at the hands of a murderer. Soon after, discipline falls by the wayside and eventually it is "every man for himself". Interspersed with the facts, Mr. Parry has placed vivid descriptions of the Arctic panorama, from the beauty of the aurora borealis to the thunderous sounds of the colliding icebergs. The reader feels as if he is there with the crew as they endure unthinkable hardships. This is a first-rate story of impossible odds and the will of man to survive.

Enthralling example of history more exciting than fiction

As a huge fan of American history, I found the book a wonderful discovery of a virtually unknown expedition and a superlative example of how the excitement delivered in historical literature can far exceed the most imaginative fiction. The Polaris Expedition story is compelling on its own merit, but Richard Parry has enhanced the saga by skillfully weaving together the pervasive risks of polar exploration, the failings of human nature, and the hubris of 19th Century Western culture. Demonstrating the talents of a master craftsman, Parry is to be lauded for buttressing a truly incredible series of events with vivid images of nature that elevates the book from good history to great literature. Skip the "reality shows" or your favorite edition of CSI and read this book! Neither my wife nor I could "put the book down" and we genuinely anticipate a suspenseful screenplay and block-buster movie that will inevitably fall short of the book. There is just too much scenery, intrigue, suspense, and action in "Trial by Ice" to squeeze into a two-hour movie.

Astonishing work by Richard Parry

I did not expect to find "Trial by Ice" so good.Using very colorful and vivid writing style, author presents events during the ill-fated polar expedition. Action takes place on the deck of steamer Polaris, along the north/west Greenland's shore and on the ice floes of Baffin Bay.This is a classic tale of survival describing international motley crew of officers, seamen, scientists and Inuits fighting for their lives after Polaris destruction.Without leadership and teamwork all efforts are difficult and dramatic. Dark human nature and low morality quite often prevails, hardship creates lack of loyalty, national partiality and racism. This book has an extra flavor - elements of crime and detective story.Writing and explanations are enhanced by author's scientific and medical knowledge combined with his experience of living in a harsh climate of Alaska. He knows what he is writing about.The story of Polaris is just another example of how little we usually know about causes and reality of current political, criminal and social events. True facts and motives stay hidden and masked to be fully exposed and published at much later time.I rank this book in the same category as "Wreck of the Medusa", "In the Heart of the Sea" and "South".If Dr. Parry was as good surgeon as he is now a writer, then many patients must be missing his medical practice.

Great True Crime Book

It was a great book written by Richard Parry. The decription from the book was very well written and it felt as if you were there on the ship. It was full of surprises and it was amazing to see what the crew went through. Also, how the Captain Hall's murder was very unexpected. I would say this is one of the best books I have read this year. It is so addicting to read so you finish it in a short period.At the beginging it is slow because of the introduction but, it gets better after that.

Great Combination of Artic Exploration & True Crime!

I enjoyed this book very much. Well written and engaging, Richard Parry's latest work was a page-turner. I finished all 310 pages in one day. Parry draws upon the 1871 Polaris Expedition inquest transcripts, his experience as a physician, several secondary sources, and scientific analysis to skillfully re-create the story of the doomed ship. Moreover, the author makes an excellent argument as to how the ship's captain met his demise, and who was ultimately responsible.The only drawback is that the two maps on the front and back covers are somewhat incomplete and vague, missing several locations mentioned by the author.Overall, a very satisfying read.