Matthew A. Henson (1866–1955)

An interesting book, tho somewhat dry. Not a full autobiography but an account of the year he & Robert Peary reached the North Pole, with references to his prior experiences traveling w/Peary and touching upon his lecturing and sharing of this adventure in his later life. He refers to the diary he kept, but expands upon it. It would have been interesting to learn more about the other times he spent among the Eskimos, when he learned how to survive in such harsh environment.
Telling the tale of the trip, he seems content to be the servant, to do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission. It is only later, after reflecting on Peary's attempt to be the only one at the Pole, after hearing disparaging remarks that Peary made about him, that he makes his own cutting comments on Peary's attitude.… (mehr)