Across Arctic America

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A remarkable achievement by Knud Rasmussen, the Fifth Thule Expedition (1921–1924) is his longest and most significant journey, traversing 18,000 km by dog sled from Hudson Bay through the Northwest Passage, Alaska, to Chukotka. During this expedition, he visited all Inuit communities, documenting their myths and beliefs while collecting ethnographic artifacts for the National Museum in Copenhagen. His knowledge of the language and customs of the Greenlandic Inuit earned him the trust of the people, particularly the shamans. His narrative is a captivating account of cultural wonder and deep understanding. Rasmussen's Arctic is not a desert but a vibrant space with its own history and culture deserving of respect. Known as the "white Eskimo" by the Inuit, he stood out for his passion for ethnology and respect for indigenous peoples. He revealed insights overlooked by others, showcasing the unity of the nations living there. This book encapsulates his most important expedition, offering a journey into a wild, primal world that has faded under modern culture. It is a classic of travel literature, a true treasure.