Icebound

In Icebound, Andrea Pitzer combines a gripping tale of survival with a sweeping history of the Age of Exploration, telling the story of Dutch polar explorer William Barents and his crew's year-long fight for survival after their ship is lost off the frozen coast of Nova Zembla.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 07 January 2021
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

An epic tale of exploration, daring, and tragedy, vividly recounted by the acclaimed historian and masterful writer Peter Frankopan, author of the bestselling The Silk Roads. While the name William Barents may not be immediately familiar to us, this enthralling, elemental, and truly spine-chilling epic of courage and endurance promises to rectify that.

"Gripping... One of the great epics of human endurance," exclaimed Roger Alton in the Daily Mail. "A riveting tale of Dutch polar explorer William Barents and his three harrowing Arctic expeditions," continued Alton, "the last of which resulted in a relentlessly challenging year-long fight for survival."

The human story has always been one of perseverance, often against remarkable odds. Among the most astonishing survival tales of all, we find the remarkable account of sixteenth-century Dutch explorer William Barents and his crew, who ventured further north than any Europeans before and, on their third polar expedition, lost their ship off the frozen coast of Nova Zembla to unforgiving ice. The men would spend the next year battling ravenous polar bears, gnawing hunger, and endless winter.

In Icebound, Andrea Pitzer masterfully weaves a gripping tale of survival with a sweeping history of the great Age of Exploration—a time of hope, adventure, and seemingly unlimited geographic frontiers. Pitzer delves into the lives of Barents and his crew, exploring their motivations, challenges, and triumphs as they braved the harsh Arctic terrain. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Pitzer brings the reader into the heart of this epic adventure, providing a deeper understanding of the human spirit and the indomitable will to survive in the face of unimaginable adversity.

This captivating book is not only a testament to the bravery and resilience of early explorers but also a reminder of the enduring spirit of exploration that continues to inspire us today. As we navigate our own world, filled with uncertainty and challenges, the stories of Barents and his crew serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, reminding us that we can overcome any obstacle and conquer new frontiers with determination, courage, and a thirst for knowledge.

In conclusion, Icebound is a must-read for anyone who loves history, adventure, or the human spirit. Peter Frankopan's masterful storytelling and Andrea Pitzer's insightful research bring this epic tale to life, reminding us of the incredible achievements and sacrifices made by those who ventured into the unknown. This book is a testament to the power of perseverance, the indomitable human spirit, and the enduring legacy of exploration.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 246 x 163 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781471182730