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.
Books can be attributed to "Unknown" when the author or editor (as applicable) is not known and cannot be discovered. If at all possible, list at least one actual author or editor for a book instead of using "Unknown".
Books whose authorship is purposefully withheld should be attributed instead to Anonymous.
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. ;)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.