The Arctic Grail: 2the Quest for the Northwest Passage and the North Pole, 1818-1909

Pierre Berton. Penguin Books, $12.95 (672pp) ISBN 978-0-14-011680-9

This spirited history probes the 15-year search for Sir John Franklin's lost expedition in the mid-19th century and the Frederick Cook-Robert Peary controversy. ``Readers who think the ultimate adventure took place at the South Pole should rediscover the Arctic explorations,'' said PW. Illustrated. Author tour. (Dec.)

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