Battle of Ink and Ice by Darrell Hartman

Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Battle of Ink and Ice:

I’d rather go to the Arctic than a newsroom.

Quick synopsis:

The story of the newspaper wars around the expeditions to the North Pole by Robert Peary and Frederick Cook.

Fact for Non-History People:

For years, the New York Times was boring on purpose.

Fact for History Nerds:

James Gordon Bennett Jr. put up the financial backing for Henry Morgan Stanley to find Dr. David Livingstone in the middle of Africa.

My Take on Battle of Ink and Ice:

I came for the ice, but I stayed for the ink.

Darrell Hartman’s Battle of Ink and Ice is a wonderful combination of the trials and tribulations of New York newspapers mixed with Arctic exploration. I am an absolute addict for any sort of Arctic/Antarctic exploration story, but the majority of page count concerns the newspapers. That said, my enjoyment was still through the roof. Hartman adeptly homes in on the most interesting aspects of the newspapers which is often the amazingly egotistical owners. In other hands, this book could be a bore where the narrative focuses too much on paper politics rather than the dangers of the ice. It can’t be understated how much Hartman’s easy writing style and eye for detail keep this book fast paced throughout.

And if you are a polar nerd like me, don’t worry. The final portion of the book is totally dedicated to the legendary scandal involved the North Pole, Robert Peary, and Frederick Cook. You will not be disappointed.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Penguin Group Viking.)

Verdict:

A fantastic book with enough great characters for anyone to enjoy. Plus, the Arctic! What more can you want? Buy it here!

If You Liked This Try:

• Reid Mitenbuler, Wanderlust
• Buddy Levy, Labyrinth of Ice and Empire of Ice and Stone
• David Welky, A Wretched and Precarious Situation
• Julian Sancton, Madhouse at the End of the Earth