With Peary near the Pole ... Translated ... by H. J. Bull

Preface

. I ITTLE did I think when, a few years ago, sitting at the school-table striving laboriouslywith my Norwegian exercises, which were so limited in length and range, that I should ever attempt the writing of a whole book ; for I was by nature a sun-worshipper, and loved a life in the open air far beyond books and writing-desks. But wonderful are the ways of fate. It happened that for a couple of years I passed beyond the pale of civilisation, and visited places where none had ever been. These things I had, of course, to describe ; and so I wrote some letters telling of my travels to the Morgenbladet, after which I considered all necessary results of my strange adventures had been attained. Preface But then people would come and ask me, " When shall we get your book?" Many were even so friendly as to tell me that they would be glad to read it ; so that there was nothing for it but to retire to a quiet place, and play the author.

The result of my literary activity I hereby venture to place before the public, hoping that they will not be too critical. EIVIND ASTRUP. Christiania CONTENTS.