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Three Years in the Klondike

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Excerpt from Three Years in the Klondike

We left Dutch Harbour on June 23, and in two days were slowly steaming amid the ice-hoes of the Behring Sea. From the topt nothing but ice and water could be seen; yet withal it was so shallow that the boatswain kept constantly drop ping the lead.

330 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 1904

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Unknown

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5 stars
195 (42%)
4 stars
180 (39%)
3 stars
61 (13%)
2 stars
17 (3%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Summer Lane.
Author 37 books367 followers
January 2, 2017
This is not a cohesive book with a plot - it is a segmented journal of the experiences of one man's adventures in the Klondike during the Gold Rush frenzy of Dawson and Bonanza during the 1890s. It is a very informative and interesting glimpse into Jeremiah Lynch's life. While some parts seemed a bit confusing (or even terribly politically incorrect - I flinched!), one must remember that this was entirely a historical journal from the personal accounts of ONE MAN. A real man, just like you or me. What was acceptable at that time was different than what was acceptable or even normal now - this is raw, brutal and startlingly honest. It is very educational to read, and I recommend it for anybody interested in learning about the brave and, in my opinion, border-line crazy, pioneers of the "last frontier." Highly recommend, one of my favorite information peeks into history that I've read in my lifetime. ;)
Profile Image for TX Dee.
133 reviews9 followers
July 16, 2019
We just returned from an Alaskan cruise through the Inner Passage. While there, I found myself fascinated with the stories of the Klondike Gold Rush, as related by our tour guides so I resolved to do some reading up on the subject when we got home. This first-hand account is interesting but of course, you have to realize that the author is very much writing in the style of accounts of the day. I suspect he has made himself out to look quite good on paper and has glossed over much of the day-to-day unpleasantries. What he HAS given us is a good glimpse into the mindsets of the early stampeders and how they forged into a harsh land, bringing the settlements that today still stand proud along the banks of the cold rivers of the North.
4 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2022
Embrace of 19th and 20th Centuries

Lynch colorfully describes Dawson and its Klondike surroundings to include his resourceful mining successes as he rigorously extracts wealth using the latest technological developments of the period. Telephonic communication, for example, though only recently invented seems to enjoy similar ease of use comparable to ours of today. And within his three-year experience, the Klondike experienced an amazing change toward modern living, thanks to people like Lynch and those whom he describes.
Profile Image for Henry.
63 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2018
But alas! Lo! I am glad this book was written to account, somewhat accurately, this time in the Klondike. Timeline in book became sporadic and tough to follow at times which was a causal for me to just gut through and finish. The writing style is haughty and in line with the loss of good narrative skills during the turn of the century. Not the worst; by no means good. I don’t know where some have weak stomachs over content as previously posted. Sad to see so many sensitive children these days.
101 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2018
I didn't like this one. There wasn't a single reason I could put my finger on, just many reasons that accumulated to leave me with a bad impression. I guess this book was written during a time when the arctic was viewed as a place to conquer and exploit for gold, as opposed to a place to respect and enjoy.
1 review
June 3, 2022
Very good read

It is amazing what humans are capable of when they challenge themselves. The hardships endured willingly by these men and women who were seeking adventure and fortune are truly astounding. All of us leading soft lives need to remember what we are capable of when we are willing to leave our comfort zones.
70 reviews
August 26, 2020
Life in the Klondike about 1900

Quite interesting that life had changed so much in three years. The story is interesting, but it would have been nice to know how much gold and profit the writer ended with when he left the Klondike.
5 reviews
February 4, 2025
Well written

A well written book that recounts in wonderful detail and description a real and authentic adventure into the true north country. Details and insights into ordinary life experienced first hand.
Author 2 books
September 16, 2025
This is an outstanding first person account of the Yukon Gold Rush.
Suggestion: do not buy the print on demand—it’s abridged and hard to read. You can pick up a used, beautifully bound Lakeside Edition for under $20.
24 reviews
October 28, 2018
Excellent


Having lived I n nearly everywhere mentioned it is interesting to read of it at the turn of the 20th century.
Profile Image for Kenneth Costello.
12 reviews
April 12, 2020
What a fantastic story, I found Lynch's story fascinating and quite the adventure. I highly recommend this read.
3 reviews
March 13, 2023
Gold!

Told through the eyes of a hard scrabble miner who played his card right and treated his men admirably. An excellent history of mining the Yukon.
Profile Image for Gregory.
33 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2014
If you watched the mini-series Klondike, this book confirms just about everything you saw on the screen...(although I can't find any reference to "The Count")...Absolutely amazing first hand account of what the Klondike gold fields and Dawson were like from 1898-1901. Although he doesn't talk about William B. Haskell, Haskell's book is used as a historical reference to confirm Lynch's story. After reading this book I've got to find a copy of Haskell's book...(can't find a first printing anywhere)
Profile Image for Ellen.
228 reviews11 followers
December 31, 2016
Three years in the Klondike .

Thoroughly enjoyed this book . Full of history and information , gives so much insight into what it was like . ....glad I read the book .
1 review
May 3, 2017
Great first hand account of Yukon gold rush

Liked how he overcame challenges in that period. Did not enjoy some of the lengthy stories about some of the city events. Preferred events around the mines.
Profile Image for Myra L Rice.
201 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2016
Old Time Klondike Gold Rush

Very interesting account of one man finding gold near Dawson in the Yukon. I was amazed at how he survived and thrived in the Arctic.
Profile Image for Mario Otero.
36 reviews5 followers
Want to Read
December 19, 2016
I added the book because I've read Jack London and liked very much this type of stories about the region and pioneering in those times.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews