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After the North Pole: A Story of Survival, Mythmaking, and Melting Ice
The Norwegian explorer, philosopher and acclaimed writer chronicles his historic 58-day journey to the North Pole on skis in this gripping and thought-provoking memoir that is also a profound meditation about nature and our place within it.
The North Pole looms large in our collective psyche—the ultimate Otherland in a world mapped and traversed. It is the center of our planet’s rotation, one of the places that is most vulnerable in an epoch of global climate change. Its sub-zero temperatures and strange year of one sunset and one sunrise make it an eerie, utterly disorienting place that challenges human endurance and understanding.
Erling Kagge and his friend Børge Ousland became the first people “to ever reach the pole without dogs, without depots and without motorized aids,” skiing for 58 days from a drop off point on the ice edge of Canada’s northernmost island.
In magisterial prose, Erling narrates his epic, record-making journey, probing the physical challenges and psychological motivations for embarking on such an epic expedition, the history of the territory’s exploration, its place in legend and art, and the thrilling adventures he experienced during the trek. It is another example of what bestselling author Robert MacFarlane has called “Kagge’s extraordinary life in wild places,”
Erling offers surprises on every page while observing the key role that this place holds in our current climate and geopolitical conversations. As majestic, mesmerizing, and monumental as the terrain it captures, The North Pole is for anyone who has gazed out at the horizon—and wondered what happens if you keep going.
The North Pole is illustrated with 12-14 photographs.
Translated from the Norwegian by Kari Dickson.
The North Pole looms large in our collective psyche—the ultimate Otherland in a world mapped and traversed. It is the center of our planet’s rotation, one of the places that is most vulnerable in an epoch of global climate change. Its sub-zero temperatures and strange year of one sunset and one sunrise make it an eerie, utterly disorienting place that challenges human endurance and understanding.
Erling Kagge and his friend Børge Ousland became the first people “to ever reach the pole without dogs, without depots and without motorized aids,” skiing for 58 days from a drop off point on the ice edge of Canada’s northernmost island.
In magisterial prose, Erling narrates his epic, record-making journey, probing the physical challenges and psychological motivations for embarking on such an epic expedition, the history of the territory’s exploration, its place in legend and art, and the thrilling adventures he experienced during the trek. It is another example of what bestselling author Robert MacFarlane has called “Kagge’s extraordinary life in wild places,”
Erling offers surprises on every page while observing the key role that this place holds in our current climate and geopolitical conversations. As majestic, mesmerizing, and monumental as the terrain it captures, The North Pole is for anyone who has gazed out at the horizon—and wondered what happens if you keep going.
The North Pole is illustrated with 12-14 photographs.
Translated from the Norwegian by Kari Dickson.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published February 11, 2025
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About the author
Erling Kagge
33 books435 followersErling Kagge is a Norwegian explorer, lawyer, art collector, entrepreneur, politician, author and publisher.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 17, 2025
This book ended up being so much more than I initially expected it to be. It was about the author's journey and experience of going to the North Pole, yes, but it was a profound history of those who have attempted to reach the North Pole.
I found it both educational and fascinating. It captured so much, including some of the more stark realities of what will happen when the ice melts away.
I am so grateful they translated this book into English so I could enjoy it.
I found it both educational and fascinating. It captured so much, including some of the more stark realities of what will happen when the ice melts away.
I am so grateful they translated this book into English so I could enjoy it.
May 23, 2025
This is a slow book about how the author got to the North Pole. It’s also a history of the place, from myths to the first attempts to reach it. It’s a reflection of impermanence, both of ideas, life and ice. Slow but well worth it!
June 26, 2025
This book took me a little longer than it should have to read, and I was busy reading another book at the same time. Interestingly enough, I remember very little of Kagge speaking of his own trek to the North Pole, except in little snippets interspersed among the history of man’s exploits to the top of the world.
One thing that really, really bothered me about this book was the barest mention of Peary’s belief that he had the right to have sex with the indigenous women of the Arctic. Yes, Kagge mentions this, but he ignores the fact that Peary had a sexual relationship with an Inuit girl of only 14 with whom he had at least two children.
This book is a fairly good summation of the history of people trying to achieve 90°N, from ancient ideas on what may have existed at the pole to when a group of Soviets finally stood at the Pole in 1948. Having been obsessed with sad boat for as long as I have been, very little of this was news to me, but it’s good to have it in one place. I personally didn’t need Kagge’s personal thoughts on polar exploration, nor did I enjoy the typical machismo of praising men for their strength in achieving this difficult goal as well as the idea that those of us who have not gone exploring are somehow less than.
One thing that really, really bothered me about this book was the barest mention of Peary’s belief that he had the right to have sex with the indigenous women of the Arctic. Yes, Kagge mentions this, but he ignores the fact that Peary had a sexual relationship with an Inuit girl of only 14 with whom he had at least two children.
This book is a fairly good summation of the history of people trying to achieve 90°N, from ancient ideas on what may have existed at the pole to when a group of Soviets finally stood at the Pole in 1948. Having been obsessed with sad boat for as long as I have been, very little of this was news to me, but it’s good to have it in one place. I personally didn’t need Kagge’s personal thoughts on polar exploration, nor did I enjoy the typical machismo of praising men for their strength in achieving this difficult goal as well as the idea that those of us who have not gone exploring are somehow less than.
March 31, 2025
One can only stand in awe of a character like Erling Kagge: so many challenges faced, obstacles overcome. The book is a different matter. The stuff about the Imaginary North Pole (the one inhabiting myths and legends) feels like makeweight here, interleaved as it is with an account of an expedition over 30 years in the past.
March 19, 2025
I devour books on exploration and the unimaginable hardships it took for these explorers to survive, or not, in such harsh and extreme environments.
February 8, 2025
„Adventure is all about deliberately making life more difficult than it needs to be, and having far less control over yourself and your surroundings”.
Despite the title, this is not a typical adventure book focused on the narrator's exploits. Written a few decades after the heroic journey to the North Pole, it is more a meditation on the human urge to explore and the fascination with polar regions, from ancient times to the present. It is beautiful, lyrical, and informative. The author touches on many topics, from cartography to literature to biographies of many explorers, but the part I loved the most were the snippets that reveal why anyone would choose to travel to such hostile places.
While I can't compare my humble thru-hikes in Sweden or Scotland to Kagge's expeditions, his words rang so true to me because they perfectly capture why I choose to spend my vacations sleeping in a tent and dragging a heavy backpack, in the cold, wind and rain.
Here is another sample: „There has to be a price, some form of discomfort—the cold, wind, thirst, and steep slopes. Satisfaction comes from continuing to move laboriously forward in the right direction, no matter what. Not knowing if you will reach your goal. That is when life feels real. Time expands”.
Highly recommended to anyone who has ever felt this way, or who is hesitant to leave a warm home for the unknown. It is so worth it.
Thanks to the publisher, HarperOne, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Despite the title, this is not a typical adventure book focused on the narrator's exploits. Written a few decades after the heroic journey to the North Pole, it is more a meditation on the human urge to explore and the fascination with polar regions, from ancient times to the present. It is beautiful, lyrical, and informative. The author touches on many topics, from cartography to literature to biographies of many explorers, but the part I loved the most were the snippets that reveal why anyone would choose to travel to such hostile places.
While I can't compare my humble thru-hikes in Sweden or Scotland to Kagge's expeditions, his words rang so true to me because they perfectly capture why I choose to spend my vacations sleeping in a tent and dragging a heavy backpack, in the cold, wind and rain.
Here is another sample: „There has to be a price, some form of discomfort—the cold, wind, thirst, and steep slopes. Satisfaction comes from continuing to move laboriously forward in the right direction, no matter what. Not knowing if you will reach your goal. That is when life feels real. Time expands”.
Highly recommended to anyone who has ever felt this way, or who is hesitant to leave a warm home for the unknown. It is so worth it.
Thanks to the publisher, HarperOne, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
January 3, 2025
Polarhistorie, ny og gammel, slutter ikke å fascinere. Boka Kagge har skrevet tar for seg hans egne erfaringer og kjente og glemte polarekspedisjoner fra historien. Pluss en masse fabuleringer om metafysiske og geopolitiske aspekter omkring polpunktet. Pluss reindyrka sladder. Det er ikke tvil om at Kagge har grublet mye og gjort grundig research. Dessverre har han ikke evnet å høvle vekk før det ble bok av dette. Her er mye rart og uferdig. Spesielt synes jeg spekuleringene rundt gamle skrifter blir svake.
Men hovedinntrykket er at dette er et godt tema å skrive bok om. For det meste var det interessant lesing. Og nå vet jeg at russerne var de aller første som nådde Nordpolen. Kjekt å vite f.eks på en quiz. Jeg leste den norske versjonen
Men hovedinntrykket er at dette er et godt tema å skrive bok om. For det meste var det interessant lesing. Og nå vet jeg at russerne var de aller første som nådde Nordpolen. Kjekt å vite f.eks på en quiz. Jeg leste den norske versjonen
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April 12, 2025Book Review: After the North Pole: A Story of Survival, Mythmaking, and Melting Ice by Erling Kagge
In After the North Pole: A Story of Survival, Mythmaking, and Melting Ice, Erling Kagge, a renowned explorer, author, and philosopher, offers a thought-provoking reflection on humanity’s relationship with the polar regions, particularly in the context of climate change and environmental degradation. Blending adventure narrative with philosophical musings, Kagge takes readers on a journey that traverses both the physical and metaphysical landscapes of the North Pole, while engaging with the pressing issues surrounding our changing planet.
Content Overview
Kagge’s work is crafted as both a memoir of his polar explorations and a conceptual exploration of what the North Pole represents in contemporary culture. Following his experiences in this extreme environment, he delves into themes of survival, myth, and the profound implications of melting ice. Structured around his personal narratives and reflections, the book is interspersed with historical anecdotes and scientific insights that highlight the significance of the Arctic in global climate discussions.
The narrative opens with Kagge recounting his own expeditions to the North Pole, vividly describing the challenges faced and the beauty of the desolate landscape. However, as the title suggests, the focus quickly shifts from mere exploration to a deeper inquiry into the myths and stories we construct around such places. Kagge engages with the symbolism of the North Pole, pondering its role as a site of human aspiration and as a barometer of environmental health.
Thematic Exploration
Several key themes dominate After the North Pole:
Survival in Extreme Environments: Kagge reflects on his personal experiences with survival in harsh conditions, offering insights into human resilience and adaptability. His narratives serve as powerful reminders of the innate drive to explore and conquer the unknown, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Mythmaking and Cultural Significance: The author explores how the North Pole has been mythologized throughout history, from early explorations to modern-day representations in literature and media. He examines the stories we tell about the Arctic and how they shape our understanding of nature and our own identities.
Climate Change and Environmental Urgency: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to discussing the impact of climate change on the polar regions. Kagge emphasizes the urgency of acknowledging the realities of melting ice and the implications for global ecosystems. His reflections encourage readers to confront environmental issues rather than ignore them.
Philosophical Inquiry: Interspersed throughout the narrative are philosophical contemplations on human existence, purpose, and the relationship between humanity and nature. Kagge prompts readers to consider what it means to live in a world facing ecological crises and how our connections to remote places can influence our behaviors and beliefs.
Hope and Action: Despite the somber themes, the book ultimately carries a message of hope. Kagge calls for a collective awareness and action regarding climate change, urging readers to engage with and protect the natural world. He posits that understanding our shared humanity and the stories we create can foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Style and Accessibility
Kagge’s writing style is both lyrical and contemplative, effectively melding narrative with philosophical discourse. His ability to evoke vivid imagery allows readers to experience the Arctic landscape firsthand, while his insights encourage deeper reflection on existential themes. This accessibility makes the book appealing not only to those interested in exploration and adventure but also to a broader audience concerned with environmental issues.
Practical Implications
After the North Pole is an essential read for scholars, students, and general readers interested in the intersections of exploration, environmental science, and cultural studies. Kagge’s blend of personal narrative and critical analysis serves as both a memoir and a call to action, offering a unique perspective on how we understand and interact with our planet. The book highlights the importance of storytelling in shaping our responses to climate change and underscores the power of individual and collective action.
Conclusion
Erling Kagge’s After the North Pole: A Story of Survival, Mythmaking, and Melting Ice is a profound and timely exploration of the complexities surrounding the polar regions and their significance to humanity. Through his engaging narrative and thoughtful reflections, Kagge not only captures the stark beauty of the Arctic but also invokes a sense of urgency regarding the environmental challenges we face. This book serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our stories, our actions, and the fragile world we inhabit, making it a vital contribution to contemporary discussions on exploration and climate change.
In After the North Pole: A Story of Survival, Mythmaking, and Melting Ice, Erling Kagge, a renowned explorer, author, and philosopher, offers a thought-provoking reflection on humanity’s relationship with the polar regions, particularly in the context of climate change and environmental degradation. Blending adventure narrative with philosophical musings, Kagge takes readers on a journey that traverses both the physical and metaphysical landscapes of the North Pole, while engaging with the pressing issues surrounding our changing planet.
Content Overview
Kagge’s work is crafted as both a memoir of his polar explorations and a conceptual exploration of what the North Pole represents in contemporary culture. Following his experiences in this extreme environment, he delves into themes of survival, myth, and the profound implications of melting ice. Structured around his personal narratives and reflections, the book is interspersed with historical anecdotes and scientific insights that highlight the significance of the Arctic in global climate discussions.
The narrative opens with Kagge recounting his own expeditions to the North Pole, vividly describing the challenges faced and the beauty of the desolate landscape. However, as the title suggests, the focus quickly shifts from mere exploration to a deeper inquiry into the myths and stories we construct around such places. Kagge engages with the symbolism of the North Pole, pondering its role as a site of human aspiration and as a barometer of environmental health.
Thematic Exploration
Several key themes dominate After the North Pole:
Survival in Extreme Environments: Kagge reflects on his personal experiences with survival in harsh conditions, offering insights into human resilience and adaptability. His narratives serve as powerful reminders of the innate drive to explore and conquer the unknown, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Mythmaking and Cultural Significance: The author explores how the North Pole has been mythologized throughout history, from early explorations to modern-day representations in literature and media. He examines the stories we tell about the Arctic and how they shape our understanding of nature and our own identities.
Climate Change and Environmental Urgency: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to discussing the impact of climate change on the polar regions. Kagge emphasizes the urgency of acknowledging the realities of melting ice and the implications for global ecosystems. His reflections encourage readers to confront environmental issues rather than ignore them.
Philosophical Inquiry: Interspersed throughout the narrative are philosophical contemplations on human existence, purpose, and the relationship between humanity and nature. Kagge prompts readers to consider what it means to live in a world facing ecological crises and how our connections to remote places can influence our behaviors and beliefs.
Hope and Action: Despite the somber themes, the book ultimately carries a message of hope. Kagge calls for a collective awareness and action regarding climate change, urging readers to engage with and protect the natural world. He posits that understanding our shared humanity and the stories we create can foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Style and Accessibility
Kagge’s writing style is both lyrical and contemplative, effectively melding narrative with philosophical discourse. His ability to evoke vivid imagery allows readers to experience the Arctic landscape firsthand, while his insights encourage deeper reflection on existential themes. This accessibility makes the book appealing not only to those interested in exploration and adventure but also to a broader audience concerned with environmental issues.
Practical Implications
After the North Pole is an essential read for scholars, students, and general readers interested in the intersections of exploration, environmental science, and cultural studies. Kagge’s blend of personal narrative and critical analysis serves as both a memoir and a call to action, offering a unique perspective on how we understand and interact with our planet. The book highlights the importance of storytelling in shaping our responses to climate change and underscores the power of individual and collective action.
Conclusion
Erling Kagge’s After the North Pole: A Story of Survival, Mythmaking, and Melting Ice is a profound and timely exploration of the complexities surrounding the polar regions and their significance to humanity. Through his engaging narrative and thoughtful reflections, Kagge not only captures the stark beauty of the Arctic but also invokes a sense of urgency regarding the environmental challenges we face. This book serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our stories, our actions, and the fragile world we inhabit, making it a vital contribution to contemporary discussions on exploration and climate change.
April 23, 2025
I'm going to address some of the other things I've seen in reviews.
There were a couple of reviews from people who abandoned the book within 25 or 50 pages. I'm not sure why, but I wasn't really liking the book at the beginning. But it really hooked me once it got into the stories of the expeditions.
So I've been a little obsessed with the Northwest Passage recently. So when I came upon this book at the library, it was meant to be. Now I have a new bucket list destination.
So I guess I was familiar with the North Pole, but may not have fully understood what it was. The very point at the top of the Earth.
Some cool things I learned. At the North Pole, the sun rises once a year and sets once a year. March 31 and Sept. 22.
If you are at the North Pole, you can walk through several times zones just by taking a few steps. You can even go back in time, since it's easy to go through multiple longitudes. The longitudes all come together at the poles.
Just to give you an idea how fair north this is....Much of Alaska is below the Artic Line of 66.33 Latitude. The North Pole is at 90. Appleton Wisconsin is 44.26.
The book is really a history of all the expeditions to the North Pole through the years. The author also talks about his personal experience skiing 500 miles from very Northern Canada to the North Pole, but that's really secondary. What I really appreciated was that he didn't embellish his story to make it sound good. Many books do that and it makes you doubt the story. He also critiqued the stories of the other polar expeditions that claimed to have made it to the North Pole.
The book has led to some fun exploring, such as if you go north over the North Pole from Canada, where do you end up? Had to get my globe out for that one.
Now I also want to visit the Polar expeditions museum in Tromso some day.
There were a couple of reviews from people who abandoned the book within 25 or 50 pages. I'm not sure why, but I wasn't really liking the book at the beginning. But it really hooked me once it got into the stories of the expeditions.
So I've been a little obsessed with the Northwest Passage recently. So when I came upon this book at the library, it was meant to be. Now I have a new bucket list destination.
So I guess I was familiar with the North Pole, but may not have fully understood what it was. The very point at the top of the Earth.
Some cool things I learned. At the North Pole, the sun rises once a year and sets once a year. March 31 and Sept. 22.
If you are at the North Pole, you can walk through several times zones just by taking a few steps. You can even go back in time, since it's easy to go through multiple longitudes. The longitudes all come together at the poles.
Just to give you an idea how fair north this is....Much of Alaska is below the Artic Line of 66.33 Latitude. The North Pole is at 90. Appleton Wisconsin is 44.26.
The book is really a history of all the expeditions to the North Pole through the years. The author also talks about his personal experience skiing 500 miles from very Northern Canada to the North Pole, but that's really secondary. What I really appreciated was that he didn't embellish his story to make it sound good. Many books do that and it makes you doubt the story. He also critiqued the stories of the other polar expeditions that claimed to have made it to the North Pole.
The book has led to some fun exploring, such as if you go north over the North Pole from Canada, where do you end up? Had to get my globe out for that one.
Now I also want to visit the Polar expeditions museum in Tromso some day.
July 12, 2025
Pretty mid.
This had no real new information, it was a thin rehashing of many north pole or northwest passage expeditions. None of these were told with much depth, with most emphasis on Nansen. There was little to no analysis, and although this was sort of supposed to be some philosophizing, it did not all that much of that either, and what it did, I didn't appreciate.
I didn't find this to be particularly interesting or engrossing, and it was very eurocentric. Certainly there were a lot of europeans involved in this area of "exploration", but even in the limited analysis and explanation, the author seemed QUITE forgiving of the scandinavian explorers, and even some english explorers, while being very critical of american explorers, and not even mentioning any canadians as anything other than american. And there were some interesting lines about how diverse a european expedition was because they had italians, hungarians AND slavs, wow, while never mentioning the diversity of american expeditions (in the context of their diversity), which regularly included europeans from multiple countries as well as americans of different races and ethnicities, but I guess only europeans get credit for that. It felt very much like the author went into this with preconceieved ideas about who norwegians, english, or americans were then analyzed the different expeditions.
Even those biases aside, i didn't find this to be informative, and if this is the only book one is to read about the north pole, there isn't all that much here in information, analysis or philosophy.
this was fine.
This had no real new information, it was a thin rehashing of many north pole or northwest passage expeditions. None of these were told with much depth, with most emphasis on Nansen. There was little to no analysis, and although this was sort of supposed to be some philosophizing, it did not all that much of that either, and what it did, I didn't appreciate.
I didn't find this to be particularly interesting or engrossing, and it was very eurocentric. Certainly there were a lot of europeans involved in this area of "exploration", but even in the limited analysis and explanation, the author seemed QUITE forgiving of the scandinavian explorers, and even some english explorers, while being very critical of american explorers, and not even mentioning any canadians as anything other than american. And there were some interesting lines about how diverse a european expedition was because they had italians, hungarians AND slavs, wow, while never mentioning the diversity of american expeditions (in the context of their diversity), which regularly included europeans from multiple countries as well as americans of different races and ethnicities, but I guess only europeans get credit for that. It felt very much like the author went into this with preconceieved ideas about who norwegians, english, or americans were then analyzed the different expeditions.
Even those biases aside, i didn't find this to be informative, and if this is the only book one is to read about the north pole, there isn't all that much here in information, analysis or philosophy.
this was fine.
March 20, 2025
"It is often important to take something home from any journey of exploration over sea and land-a souvenir, something concrete, proof. But all there is at the North Pole is cold air, cold water, and ice. The North Pole is like an abstract painting, freed from all form. There is nothing of real substance there. And yet it is a destination, the start of many adventures and a source of myths throughout recorded human time."
"It only takes a few steps to walk around the world and cross twenty-four time zones. If you walk with the sun, in other words west, 360 degrees around the polar point, you walk into yesterday when you pass the dateline."
The temperature is rising in the Arctic at twice the speed of the global average. After 75,000 generations with an ice-covered Arctic Ocean, we may be the first generation to experience an ice-free ocean in summer.
"It only takes a few steps to walk around the world and cross twenty-four time zones. If you walk with the sun, in other words west, 360 degrees around the polar point, you walk into yesterday when you pass the dateline."
The temperature is rising in the Arctic at twice the speed of the global average. After 75,000 generations with an ice-covered Arctic Ocean, we may be the first generation to experience an ice-free ocean in summer.
July 25, 2025
Well-written and well-researched. Learned a ton about historical polar expeditions reading this and was engrossed after about 50 pages in. This is more of a reference book of past expeditions than a personal narrative. It's also Eurocentric, though he does acknowledge that the past expeditions that succeeded were the ones that learned from and spent time with Inuits. Liked the tidbits of Inuit knowledge shared, would've liked a deeper dive.
Could've guessed the author studied philosophy before reading the back jacket.
Could've guessed the author studied philosophy before reading the back jacket.
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March 29, 2025DNF. Got about 100 pages in and I wasn’t jiving with the mostly uncritical praise for enlightenment-era thinking about exploration and colonial conquest. The book, to that point, had managed to tell the history of human contact with the North, with barely anything other than a passing mention of Inuit people. I was down with the sections more narrowly focused on the science and astronomy of the North Pole.
April 13, 2025
A thorough and comprehensive review of the history of polar explorers, providing in depth research into the various men who tried to reach the true North Pole. I got lost in the details of these men of the past, and some of their hypotheses about what was at the North Pole. I learned a lot about the North Pole in this book, including the different North Poles. I would have just liked to read more about the author's personal experience getting there.
July 8, 2025
I got the impression that this was going to be more of Erling's journey to the North Pole, but there was actually very little of that. Instead, it was like an in-depth history of polar exploration.
It did become hard to follow at times because of all the names and sometimes read like a textbook.
That being said, I did learn a lot about polar exploration and a little about myself from this read. I tabbed a bunch of powerful quotes.
It did become hard to follow at times because of all the names and sometimes read like a textbook.
That being said, I did learn a lot about polar exploration and a little about myself from this read. I tabbed a bunch of powerful quotes.
March 23, 2025
Very interesting read. I appreciated how this went from the myths/legends/philosophies around the North Pole, explaining what the 4 Poles are, and then the history and interspacing with his own travel in 1990 and how he prepared. It was very insightful and I also learned that polar explorers seem to be liars. It is curious that we still don't really know who made it to the North Pole first.
June 1, 2025
This book was extremely interesting, very well researched, full of fact, history, science, a bit of philosophy, and arctic survival how-tos. Within the author describes his own 58 day journey to the North Pole. I found it to be a very enjoyable read about the history of explorations to the North Pole.
August 5, 2025
Both an exciting description of the authors 1990 North Pole trip utilizing only human power and a general treatise on extreme adventure philosophy.
Top text sections and quotes
“Most people are satisfied too soon, and that is the reason there is so little wisdom in the world.” Fridtjof Nansen, Polar Explorer
“A challenge is only meaningful when there are dangers - and the chance of failure.”
Aristotle in Metaphysics argued that the pursuit of knowledge is part of human nature: we should explore the ever-changing world around us ourselves and not leave it up to others.
So many have died trying to reach the North Pole. Before the 20th century a thousand tried and 751 died in doing so.
Other books to read
Papillon, Henri Charriere
The Adventurer: The Fate of Adventure in the Western World,Paul Zweig
Faust, Goethe
On the Tragic, Zapffe, English translation
Top text sections and quotes
“Most people are satisfied too soon, and that is the reason there is so little wisdom in the world.” Fridtjof Nansen, Polar Explorer
“A challenge is only meaningful when there are dangers - and the chance of failure.”
Aristotle in Metaphysics argued that the pursuit of knowledge is part of human nature: we should explore the ever-changing world around us ourselves and not leave it up to others.
So many have died trying to reach the North Pole. Before the 20th century a thousand tried and 751 died in doing so.
Other books to read
Papillon, Henri Charriere
The Adventurer: The Fate of Adventure in the Western World,Paul Zweig
Faust, Goethe
On the Tragic, Zapffe, English translation
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2025
Wasn’t quite what I expected since the author’s North Pole adventure was interwoven in the book and was not the primary focus. Felt a bit slow and since it bounced between different other expeditions and adventurers, it felt disjointed. I occasionally skimmed content. Obviously well researched and overall the topic is of course interesting but felt like a bit of a slog to get through.
April 22, 2025
This was so much more than I expected! Not just a personal story of his own expedition, but thoughtful discussion of other expeditions and why people are driven to test themselves. Well written. Fascinating read!
April 26, 2025
The best adventure book I'd read in a while. it goes through the history of North Pole exploration, the story of the author's successful trip to the North Pole, myths from around the world, and more. I'll be recommending this to others for a while.
May 31, 2025
A well-researched and thoughtful compendium of arctic exploration, After the North Pole nonetheless suffers some serious deficits. First, no index, and, second, what seems initially like breadth comes to feel scattered and confused as tales of explorers and their fates accumulate.
June 25, 2025
I was hoping for more adventure, but found a lot of history. Gave it a good 100+ pages and still didn’t capture my interest. Some good snippets of his journey but historical and scientific references dominate the book.
July 3, 2025
I usually like nonfiction, especially adventure stories, but I found this very boring. The timeline of the author's personal journey was difficult for me to follow because it kept being interrupted by historical anecdotes or scientific side stories.
February 26, 2025
DNF.
My wife and I started reading but did not get into this book. We stopped after about 25 pages.
My wife and I started reading but did not get into this book. We stopped after about 25 pages.
February 27, 2025
interesting book that's definitely less about the actual adventure and more about life and all that such stuff. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.
April 27, 2025
I learned a lot about the history of explorers going to the North Pole.
June 18, 2025
Author does an admirable job of balancing historical perspective with his own personal experiences to bring North Pole to life for the rest of us.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews