Arctic Crossing: A Journey Through the Northwest Passage and Inuit Culture

Alfred A. Knopf, 2001. Hardcover. Like New/Very Good. 6x1x9. Signed by Author. Brief gift inscription by and signed by author. Jonathan Waterman’s 2,200-mile journey across the roof of North America took him through Inuit communities in Alaska to Nunavut, Canada’s new, 770,000-square-mile, self-governed territory. His story, at once illuminating and alarming, offers firsthand observations of their life, language and beliefs; records their reactions to global modernization; documents their centuries of unjust treatment at the hands of Kabloona (bushy-eyebrowed whites); and witnesses unemployment, teen suicide and such persistent plagues as spousal violence and substance abuse. From the perspective of his 1997–1999 voyage—as the Inuit stand on the brink of a more hopeful, independent future—he also looks into a past marked by famous (or infamous) Arctic explorers, government cover-ups and environmental destruction. Waterman is mostly known for his Northern explorations, detailed in many of his books and countless journals since 1978. His awards include Three Banff Festival "Best Book Adventure Travel", Sigurd Olson Nature Writing Award 2005, NEA Literary Fellowship, Colorado State Council of the Arts Literary Award, The American Alpine Club Literary Award 1996, The National Park Service Special Achievement Award.