How photographs revealed Frederick Cook’s Denali hoax

August 27, 2014 History adams carter, alaska, belmore browne, bradford washburn, denali, false summit claims, first ascents, frederick cook, history of mountaineering, mountain literature, mountain photography, polar exploration, seven summits 7 Comments

How photographs revealed Frederick Cook’s Denali hoax

Frederick Cook was one of the most notorious con men in exploration history who tried to fake the first ascent of Denali. What makes his story so engaging is the way photographs have been used to shred his claim so convincingly.

Safe return doubtful: Was Shackleton’s advert apocryphal?

October 10, 2012 History ernest shackleton, exploration, famous explorers, polar exploration, quotations, roland huntford, tony hawks, travel writing 8 Comments

Safe return doubtful: Was Shackleton’s advert apocryphal?

“Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success.” Sir Ernest Shackleton (allegedly) At the beginning of his book Round Ireland with a Fridge, the