Being the Record of the Expedition that First Reached the Boreal Center 1907 – 1909, With the Final Summary of the Polar Controversy

By Cook, Frederick
Signed: Frederick A. Cook

New York: Mitchell Kennerley, 1913. Third Edition. 8vo – 20cm. [xx], 610pp., Index (8pp.), Publisher’s Advertisments (2pp.). With portrait frontispiece of Frederick Cook and 31 black-and-white photographic and other illustrations, charts, and drawings. Publisher’s light green cloth, lettered in black on upper cover and spine. A Near Fine and complete copy signed and inscribed by Frederick A. Cook on the front free fly leaf. Arctic Bibliography 3389.

In 1907, Cook accompanied an expedition northward, prepared to attempt to reach the Pole if the opportunity arose, and according to his own story he claimed to have done so, leaving his party accompanied only by a few Eskimos, early in 1908. The announcement of his success was made just five days before Peary cabled his news of victory, and a tempestuous controversy immediately broke out. The public was disposed to believe Cook’s claim, and he received a hearty reception at Copenhagen. Scientific opinion was more reserved, however, and after a careful consideration of the evidence, Cook’s claim was dismissed. This edition recounts Cook’s description of his attainment of the North Pole and his return journey. It also presents Cook’s perspective of the keys to the controversy with regard to his and Peary’s claim to have reached the North Pole, the Mt. McKinley Bribery, The Dunkle-Loose Forgery and how the National Geographic Society prostituted itself. This book is a fascinating read about the controveries that surrounded Cook from his perspective.

WITH:
A Very Rare original tipped in post card mailer with a removeable stub stating:
“In the interest of fair play – Dr. Cook’s book requests his friends to use their influence to endeavor to bring about a National Investigation of the Polar Attainment: in line with this effort he suggests that you detach, sign and mail the card below to your congressman, or better still, write him a personal letter.”
The stub and post card are still attached, with the card stating:

________________________1913
“To Congressman, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir. – The conquest of the North Pole has lifted the United States to a first position as a Nation of scientific pioneers. The controversy which followed is a blot on our Flag and it is a slur on our National Honor. From the Government purse and from private resources we have spent millions to reach the top of the Earth; it would appear therefore to be our duty as a nation to adjust the Polar contention in the eyes of the world.
If Dr. Cook has reached the Pole, a year earlier than Peary, as most Arctic Explorers believe, then the seeming endorsement and the pension of the Naval Officer is an injustice to Dr. Cook and an imposition on the Public; if both have reached the Pole then there should be a suitable recognition and reward extended to each. As one of thousands of American Citizens I beg of you to forward a movement which will bring about a National Investigation into this problem, with a suitable provision for a proper recognition. Respectfully, __________________”

$700.00 -