Abandoned: The Story of the Greely Arctic Expedition 1881-1884

by Alden Todd

Launched as part of the United States participation in the first International Polar Year, the Greely Arctic Expedition sent twenty-five volunteers to Ellesmere Island off the northwest coast of Greenland. The crew was commanded by Adolphus W. Greely, a lieutenant in the U.S. Army's Signal Corps. The ship sent to resupply them in the summer of 1882 was forced to turn back before reaching the station, and the men were left to endure short rations. The second relief ship, sent in 1883, was crushed in the ice. The crew spend a third, wretched winter camped at Cape Sabine. Supplies ran out, the hunting failed, and men began to die of starvation. At last, in the summer of 1884, the six survivors were brought home, but the excitement of their return soon turned into a national scandal-rumors of cannibalism during that dreadful, final winter were supported by grisly evidence.

Abandoned is the gripping account of men battling for survival as they are pitted against the elements and each other. It is also the most complete and authentic account of the controversial Greely Expedition ever published, an exemplar of the best in chronicles of polar exploration.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Survival

408 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Susan]

Very good account of the Greely expedition to the arctic that got trapped in the ice. I love books about being trapped in the arctic. Besides enumerating the struggles of the expedition members, it tells of the actions of Congress, and unprofessional journalism. It is nice to know that politics and journalism was no different 125 years ago than it is today.

[Sharon Smith]

Outstanding true story

I liked the book more as the story started developing in the Arctic at Ft. Conger. The year at Camp Clay was hard to read. The initiative, strength, courage and duty, and honor to complete their mission and live were extraordinary. The science, maps, experiments, and everything they learned were an added bonus of survival to return and report. I loved the last part of the book about how they lived to be exemplary men to the end. Great book so much information.

[Steve Bera]

This book starts out slow, but eventually grabs your attention with the stranded crew fighting to stave off starvation. Not much adventure going on here, just a survival struggle. Then after most of the crew succumbs, and the living are rescued, it again becomes a boring read. Some of the book was really well written, and some was not. For a better arctic adventure, pick another book.

[Craig Grimm]

Great read about Arctic exploration, and the exemplary courage and endurance under horrendous conditions

I recommend this book to all who are interested in learning about the challenges that can be overcome when faced with overwhelming obstacles in the harsh conditions of the far northern latitudes.

[oonagh cryan]

Page turner

It never ceases to amaze me, the resilience of early arctic explorers and this has been expertly captured in this, easy to read, book. Well written and a page turner. I could feel the desolation and desperation.

[Ron Morren]

A mesmerizing tale of survival

I was captivated by this compelling story from the beginning to the end of the book. I found the relationships of the men fascinating to read about during challenging conditions. I highly recommend this book!

[PJ]

Complete

This is a thoroughly, well written history of the Franklin expedition. It includes new information about him. Well worth the effort.

[Michael O'Neal]

Really enjoyed this historical drama of the Greely Arctic Expedition. From my perspective, the author appeared to not let a shred of historical evidence escape her notice, as she put together this thorough work. Filled with excerpts from journals and letters, the author's historical interpretation is backed up by those who lived through this horrible ordeal. I also liked that an account of the families thoughts and struggles were also documented, as their loved ones fought for their life in the Arctic.

[Jossalyn]

got this at the recommendation of my dear cousin Sue, who has been doing some family researching. Our great great grandfather was Moses P Rice, who had a well known Photography studio in Washington DC, and who was a field photographer for President Lincoln during the Civil War. Moses' brother George Rice was one of the heroes of the Greely expedition; so this story is family to us.
What a sad sad story, and yet a powerful lesson about the goodness there is in human beings even at the limits of their physical and mental endurance.

[Diana Meisler]

An inspiring history of courage and strength amid harsh conditions

This is an amazing case of truth being stronger than fiction. To see the remarkable fortitude of these men under such brutal conditions of weather and conflicting personalities is almost unbelievable. Add to that the obstacles of finally getting a rescue operation after such a terrible and frustrating wait underscores the nasty business of political forces.
I was so glad to read an (almost) happy ending.

[Mark Rose]

Good arctic adventure tale

Every American needs to read this historic quest and the sacrifices of these hardy men. They gave the ultimate sacrifice for knowledge of the uncharted arctic.

[Ruth]

well balanced telling of this true story