White Eskimo: Knud Rasmussen's Fearless Journey into the Heart of the Arctic

Knud Rasmussen (1879–1933) is relatively unknown outside of Denmark and the world of Inuit studies. Bown (The Last Viking) seeks to change this with a thorough and engaging biography. Born in Greenland to Danish and part-Inuit parents, Rasmussen spent his early years learning the outdoor skills that would make him a successful explorer. His outgoing and curious nature enabled him to easily engage in both Danish and Greenlandic cultures. In 1910, Rasmussen and Peter Freuchen started a trading post called Thule Station in northwest Greenland. From there, they traveled far and wide around Greenland, including one expedition in which they crossed its ice cap in both directions. The fifth Thule Expedition (1921–24) was Rasmussen's most important; on it he traveled by dog sled through the Arctic seeking cultural similarities and even differences with the Greenlandic Inuit. He documented natives' legends, oral traditions, poetry, and songs, creating important ethnographic works that preserved traditions for future scholars. Bown makes excellent use of Rasmussen's expedition publications which were best sellers owing to his poetic and energetic style.