The Noose of Laurels: Robert E. Peary and the Race to the North Pole

Who was the first man to stand on top of the world? Most polar historians grant that honor to Robert E. Peary, who, after a long and brilliant polar career, allegedly reached the North Pole on April t, 1909. Long debated, but never proven or disproven, Peary's ultimate achievement seemed destined to remain forever an enigma unenlightened by first-hand information. The Noose of Laurels changes that. Here, Wally Herbert, one of the finest polar explorers of our time, takes on the task of analyzing Peary's achievements. He is uniquely capable to do so, as he is the first polar traveler ever to assess the records and claims of Peary and his chief rival, Dr. Frederick Cook. Read, then you decide.