From Pole to Pole- A Book for Young People

Originally published in 1912, this engaging book offers a simplified English translation of the authors earlier work, Fr•n pol till pol genom Asien och Europa (Bonnier, Stockholm, 1911). In Part 1, Hedin shares his remarkable journeys through Europe and Asia, exploring vibrant locales such as Turkey, the Caucasus, Tehran, Iraq, the lands of the Kyrgyz, the Russian Far East, India, China, and Japan. His vivid descriptions of cities, cultures, and events during the late 19th century create a captivating travelogue. Part 2 dives into the thrilling tales of legendary explorers, adventurers, and even villains‚featuring figures like Gordon at Khartoum, Livingstone and Stanley in Africa, Pizarros conquest of the Inca empire, the pursuit of blue whales, Shackletons near miss at the South Pole, and a nod to Alexander Selkirk, which cleverly ties into the adventures of Robinson Crusoe. This eclectic mix is crafted to inspire and entertain young people. (Summary by Steven Seitel)