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Battle of Ink and Ice: A Sensational Story of News Barons, North Pole Explorers, and the Making of Modern Media
"Absolutely gripping… a perfectly splendid read—I highly, highly recommend it” -- Douglas Preston, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Lost City of the Monkey God
A sixty-year saga of frostbite and fake news that follows the no-holds-barred battle between two legendary explorers to reach the North Pole, and the newspapers which stopped at nothing to get–and sell–the story.
In the fall of 1909, a pair of bitter contests captured the world’s attention. The American explorers Robert Peary and Frederick Cook both claimed to have discovered the North Pole, sparking a vicious feud that was unprecedented in international scientific and geographic circles. At the same time, the rivalry between two powerful New York City newspapers—the storied Herald and the ascendant Times —fanned the flames of the so-called polar controversy, as each paper financially and reputationally committed itself to an opposing explorer and fought desperately to defend him.
The Herald was owned and edited by James Gordon Bennett, Jr., an eccentric playboy whose nose for news was matched only by his appetite for debauchery and champagne. The Times was published by Adolph Ochs, son of Jewish immigrants, who’d improbably rescued the paper from extinction and turned it into an emerging powerhouse. The battle between Cook and Peary would have enormous consequences for both newspapers, and help to determine the future of corporate media.
BATTLE OF INK AND ICE presents a frank portrayal of Arctic explorers, brave men who both inspired and deceived the public. It also sketches a vivid portrait of the newspapers that funded, promoted, narrated, and often distorted their exploits. It recounts a sixty-year saga of frostbite and fake news, one that culminates with an unjustly overlooked chapter in the origin story of the modern New York Times.
By turns tragic and absurd, BATTLE OF INK AND ICE brims with contemporary relevance, touching as it does on themes of class, celebrity, the ever-quickening news cycle, and the benefits and pitfalls of an increasingly interconnected world. Above all, perhaps, its cast of characters testifies—colorfully and compellingly—to the ongoing role of personality and publicity in American cultural life as the Gilded Age gave way to the twentieth century—the American century.
A sixty-year saga of frostbite and fake news that follows the no-holds-barred battle between two legendary explorers to reach the North Pole, and the newspapers which stopped at nothing to get–and sell–the story.
In the fall of 1909, a pair of bitter contests captured the world’s attention. The American explorers Robert Peary and Frederick Cook both claimed to have discovered the North Pole, sparking a vicious feud that was unprecedented in international scientific and geographic circles. At the same time, the rivalry between two powerful New York City newspapers—the storied Herald and the ascendant Times —fanned the flames of the so-called polar controversy, as each paper financially and reputationally committed itself to an opposing explorer and fought desperately to defend him.
The Herald was owned and edited by James Gordon Bennett, Jr., an eccentric playboy whose nose for news was matched only by his appetite for debauchery and champagne. The Times was published by Adolph Ochs, son of Jewish immigrants, who’d improbably rescued the paper from extinction and turned it into an emerging powerhouse. The battle between Cook and Peary would have enormous consequences for both newspapers, and help to determine the future of corporate media.
BATTLE OF INK AND ICE presents a frank portrayal of Arctic explorers, brave men who both inspired and deceived the public. It also sketches a vivid portrait of the newspapers that funded, promoted, narrated, and often distorted their exploits. It recounts a sixty-year saga of frostbite and fake news, one that culminates with an unjustly overlooked chapter in the origin story of the modern New York Times.
By turns tragic and absurd, BATTLE OF INK AND ICE brims with contemporary relevance, touching as it does on themes of class, celebrity, the ever-quickening news cycle, and the benefits and pitfalls of an increasingly interconnected world. Above all, perhaps, its cast of characters testifies—colorfully and compellingly—to the ongoing role of personality and publicity in American cultural life as the Gilded Age gave way to the twentieth century—the American century.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published June 6, 2023
About the author
Darrell Hartman
2 books34 followersI'm the author of "Battle of Ink and Ice: A Sensational Tale of News Barons, North Pole Explorers, and the Making of Modern Media" (Viking, 2023). I've been a freelance journalist for nearly 20 years and have written about travel and culture for The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, The Paris Review, and dozens of other international publications. I'm originally from Maine and spend my time between the Catskills and NYC.
I enjoy talking with readers - for Book Clubs and 1:1s, find me now on Skolay: skolay.com/writers/darrell-hartman
I enjoy talking with readers - for Book Clubs and 1:1s, find me now on Skolay: skolay.com/writers/darrell-hartman
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
September 20, 2023
Do you care about Newspapers history and North pole exploration? It's never really been a particular interest of mine, if we're being honest, I couldn't tell you why I picked up this book, seriously, but I'm glad I did pick it up because I enjoyed it a lot. Hartman really knows how to make something engaging and it made for a surprisingly fun read.
May 12, 2023
I came for the ice, but I stayed for the ink.
Darrell Hartman's Battle of Ink and Ice is a wonderful combination of the trials and tribulations of New York newspapers mixed with Arctic exploration. I am an absolute addict for any sort of Arctic/Antarctic exploration story, but the majority of page count concerns the newspapers. That said, my enjoyment was still through the roof. Hartman adeptly hones in on the most interesting aspects of the newspapers which is often the amazingly egotistical owners. In other hands, this book could be a bore where the narrative focuses too much on paper politics rather than the dangers of the ice. It can't be understated how much Hartman's easy writing style and eye for details keep this book fast paced throughout.
And if you are a polar nerd like me, don't worry. The final portion of the book is totally dedicated to the legendary scandal involved the North Pole, Robert Peary, and Frederick Cook. You will not be disappointed.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Penguin Group Viking.)
Darrell Hartman's Battle of Ink and Ice is a wonderful combination of the trials and tribulations of New York newspapers mixed with Arctic exploration. I am an absolute addict for any sort of Arctic/Antarctic exploration story, but the majority of page count concerns the newspapers. That said, my enjoyment was still through the roof. Hartman adeptly hones in on the most interesting aspects of the newspapers which is often the amazingly egotistical owners. In other hands, this book could be a bore where the narrative focuses too much on paper politics rather than the dangers of the ice. It can't be understated how much Hartman's easy writing style and eye for details keep this book fast paced throughout.
And if you are a polar nerd like me, don't worry. The final portion of the book is totally dedicated to the legendary scandal involved the North Pole, Robert Peary, and Frederick Cook. You will not be disappointed.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Penguin Group Viking.)
November 9, 2023
The book concerns the American explorers Robert Peary and Frederick Cook and the discovery of the Noth Pole. Interesting story but the book gets bogged down in details which makes it drag.
August 14, 2023
This was an interesting listen, really a long overview of polar expeditions I was already familiar with but from an outside view, and giving the history of newspaper baron rivalries alongside. I don't recall learning much about several of these key figures.
It was fascinating to hear of the Cook versus Peary rivalry, and how their public feud and petty interactions sort of cheapened the whole concept of polar exploration for that period of history. And despite Peary's blatant racist views and practices, it was neat to hear bits about Matthew Henson, a Black explorer who went with him on several voyages.
The narrator was largely good, besides his unexpected pronunciation of "rather" in like, an English way?
It was fascinating to hear of the Cook versus Peary rivalry, and how their public feud and petty interactions sort of cheapened the whole concept of polar exploration for that period of history. And despite Peary's blatant racist views and practices, it was neat to hear bits about Matthew Henson, a Black explorer who went with him on several voyages.
The narrator was largely good, besides his unexpected pronunciation of "rather" in like, an English way?
September 1, 2024
Reading two books about ships at the same time nearly did me in. This one was far less exciting than the story of The Wager. And honestly I thought the conceit was overambitious. I feel like I missed a lot of context about the newspaper industry in New York AND Arctic exploration because the author was trying to tell both simultaneously. I understand how they were connected but it felt a bit tenuous to build a whole book around it. I think both stories would have shown better on their own.
If you never read this book (which I imagine will be most of my friends) let's address the elephant in the room -- both of these white men were fakers who never made it to the North Pole. In fact ALL the Americans who "discovered" the Pole lied about it. American ingenuity knows no bounds! Maybe the airplane guy actually found it but I think it was also a Swede.... Actually crazy how utterly evil and dumb all the artic explorers in this story are. Contemporary figures I think are people who want to go to space for fun or visit Mars. Why?!! Get it together there are better things to do. I guess billionaires have been spending money on dumb shit since forever.
ALSO the fact that Peary killed his loyal sled dogs on the way back of all his expeditions as an efficient practice is so EVIl. WHAT the FUCK. It's whatever the opposite of heart warming is. Soul freezing? AND I haven't even gotten into the fact that even if these two idiots weren't lying they completely wrote out the indigenous guides and African-American sled driver who were with them (and in one case even got to the Not North Pole first).
Also I wish there was more about the invention of modern journalism - some useful lessons in there for us probably mid mass collapse of journalism and expansion of misinformation.
If you never read this book (which I imagine will be most of my friends) let's address the elephant in the room -- both of these white men were fakers who never made it to the North Pole. In fact ALL the Americans who "discovered" the Pole lied about it. American ingenuity knows no bounds! Maybe the airplane guy actually found it but I think it was also a Swede.... Actually crazy how utterly evil and dumb all the artic explorers in this story are. Contemporary figures I think are people who want to go to space for fun or visit Mars. Why?!! Get it together there are better things to do. I guess billionaires have been spending money on dumb shit since forever.
ALSO the fact that Peary killed his loyal sled dogs on the way back of all his expeditions as an efficient practice is so EVIl. WHAT the FUCK. It's whatever the opposite of heart warming is. Soul freezing? AND I haven't even gotten into the fact that even if these two idiots weren't lying they completely wrote out the indigenous guides and African-American sled driver who were with them (and in one case even got to the Not North Pole first).
Also I wish there was more about the invention of modern journalism - some useful lessons in there for us probably mid mass collapse of journalism and expansion of misinformation.
February 23, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a bit slow and dry in some spots, and the level of detail was too much for me at times. However, I can see how it would be someone else's jam and those factors didn't dampen this book for me. I didn't know a lot about polar explorations and how the newspapers were tied to them, let alone the controversy over fact vs fiction.
This isn't a book for everyone, but I would highly recommend it to someone interested in the topic who enjoys a good history read.
This isn't a book for everyone, but I would highly recommend it to someone interested in the topic who enjoys a good history read.
February 20, 2024
So much fun to read. Had no idea of any of this. Was shocked (even still) of how Indigenous and Black figures were treated by these almost mythical explorers for history, specifically Peary. In the end, I think we need to draw our own conclusions, and I can shady on them all!
April 26, 2024
An in depth look at the controversial quest for the North Pole that also includes a very interesting look at the history of newspapers. I enjoyed both subjects equally, not surprising considering I was a journalism major.
January 18, 2024
Interesting but kinda slow towards the end.
January 13, 2024
Battle of Ink and Ice is, indeed, a sensational story of news barons, North Pole explorers, and the making of the modern media. It immerses the reader in the outlandish New York City newspaper industry of the late 19th and early 20th century, when Joseph Pulitzer, James Gordon Bennett, and William Randolph Hearst reigned over the Yellow Journalism Era and fought to be the biggest — at nearly any cost. As a journalism major, the names were all familiar, but the details of their newspaper wars felt fresh and fascinating. Then along came a nobody named Adolph Ochs from nowhere Tennessee to buy the struggling, second-tier New York Times and, as the subtitle claims, create the modern media.
Interspersed in all of this journalism history are sections about North Pole exploration and the lives and motivations of Robert Peary and Frederick Cook — and the gripping controversy about which man got to the North Pole first. In fact, at times, it felt like the author wanted to write a history of this seminal period in newspapering but realized he would need a sexier subject to truly sell it. (Maybe this is the meta-nonfiction meaning of the title: the author's fight to balance his two narratives!)
As a matter of fact, the two narratives — newspapering and exploring — are deeply intertwined as the newspapers fight to tout their favored explorers and shell out big bucks for exclusive rights and even to underwrite the expeditions.
In addition to doing what seems an exhaustive review of the existing literature on the North Pole debate, Darrell Hartman has uncovered fresh details about the controversy.
Battle of Ink and Ice is a lot of fun, especially for all former ink-stained wretches like me.
Interspersed in all of this journalism history are sections about North Pole exploration and the lives and motivations of Robert Peary and Frederick Cook — and the gripping controversy about which man got to the North Pole first. In fact, at times, it felt like the author wanted to write a history of this seminal period in newspapering but realized he would need a sexier subject to truly sell it. (Maybe this is the meta-nonfiction meaning of the title: the author's fight to balance his two narratives!)
As a matter of fact, the two narratives — newspapering and exploring — are deeply intertwined as the newspapers fight to tout their favored explorers and shell out big bucks for exclusive rights and even to underwrite the expeditions.
In addition to doing what seems an exhaustive review of the existing literature on the North Pole debate, Darrell Hartman has uncovered fresh details about the controversy.
Battle of Ink and Ice is a lot of fun, especially for all former ink-stained wretches like me.
May 16, 2024
This is essentially two intertwined true tales wrapped up in one fascinating story. The early days of newspapers in New York were a time of industrious work, subterfuge and embracing of new technology. The lengths some of these rival newspapers would go to undermine or one-up the competition is quite the tale in itself. The owners of the different newspapers each had their own ideas on how and what to print and the building of their publications also gave rise to other improvements in the world.
The other story is about the race to the North Pole and what a race it was. Both Cook and Peary took off to reach the elusive target and both said they made it to the goal. This led to Peary trying his best to prove that Cook did not achieve the pole and the newspapers joined in the controversy.
The other story is about the race to the North Pole and what a race it was. Both Cook and Peary took off to reach the elusive target and both said they made it to the goal. This led to Peary trying his best to prove that Cook did not achieve the pole and the newspapers joined in the controversy.
July 17, 2023
The author seemed to be using the controversy between Frederick Cook and Robert Peary to paint a history of journalism in the late 19th/early 20th century, but it often read as two distinct stories. That said, “both” were well written and I learned a lot about both subjects. In the first several chapters, there are a lot of names thrown around and most of them are fleeting references, which kept me going back and forth to remember who was who, but that seemed to get better as the book went on. Definitely recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about early journalism and how fake news has been around forever.
December 5, 2023
I wanted to like this book. I received it after winning a Goodreads giveaway. I tried time and again to pick it up. I finished it, but barely. There just was no excitement that made me want to keep reading. It was very well written, the subject matter interesting, and the story easy to follow. It just wasn’t spectacular to me.
August 16, 2023
Well written and engaging non fiction - particularly enjoyed to delve into “Ink”.
November 29, 2023
This was very interesting! Great amounts of exploration history and newspaper history. I learned a lot about both!
July 6, 2023
Who first discovered the North Pole: Cook or Peary? It might have been determined by newspapers reporting on the discovery: the New York Hearald or the New York Times, rivaling newspapers.
Although the stories behind the discovery of the North Pole was interesting, what totally fascinated me was the impetus taken on by the newspapers and the development of daily, local trade to global reporting and to what end journalists/publicists would go to report the news. The race to be the first to reach the NP as well as the first newspaper with the highest circulation was on!!! Newspaper business in the late 1800s became a real cut throat business. The term "fake news" was coined by Pulitzer who then owned The World newspaper in Mew York City in the late 1890s.
This was a truly interesting chronicle of how newspaper empires were built, evolved, grew and are now ever changed due to instant news with social media and cameras on our phones.
Later in the book the authenticity of who reached the NP first, Cook or Peary, came into play and this also became very interesting. That "polar dispute" made great newspaper copy!
Although there were times in the book that the subject of either the newspaper or the race to the North Pole took on some lag time but all in all the author did a very good job of retelling the events. I much preferred the newspaper angle rather than the discovery angle but it was interesting to read how feet were held to the fire with both entities!
Although the stories behind the discovery of the North Pole was interesting, what totally fascinated me was the impetus taken on by the newspapers and the development of daily, local trade to global reporting and to what end journalists/publicists would go to report the news. The race to be the first to reach the NP as well as the first newspaper with the highest circulation was on!!! Newspaper business in the late 1800s became a real cut throat business. The term "fake news" was coined by Pulitzer who then owned The World newspaper in Mew York City in the late 1890s.
This was a truly interesting chronicle of how newspaper empires were built, evolved, grew and are now ever changed due to instant news with social media and cameras on our phones.
Later in the book the authenticity of who reached the NP first, Cook or Peary, came into play and this also became very interesting. That "polar dispute" made great newspaper copy!
Although there were times in the book that the subject of either the newspaper or the race to the North Pole took on some lag time but all in all the author did a very good job of retelling the events. I much preferred the newspaper angle rather than the discovery angle but it was interesting to read how feet were held to the fire with both entities!
December 5, 2023
The Gilded Age in US history is an interesting period, particularly since we are perhaps in another one now, given the elevated levels of income inequality. This book takes place in and just after that period, around the turn of the century. While the concentration of wealth in very rich “robber barons” was detrimental to the working class and to our society, sometimes it resulted in scientific or cultural advances as a byproduct. (One example: a book I recently read about Alaska describes how in 1899 railroad magnate Edward H. Harriman financed - and went on - a huge expedition that added greatly to scientific knowledge.)
This book looks at the rise of big newspapers at that time (“news barons”) and how they promoted exploration of the north pole. Both are interesting stories by themselves. It’s an inspired combination.
James Bennett Jr. inherited the New York Herald from his father. In addition to leading a profligate lifestyle, he invested in exploration to generate stories to sell his newspaper. What I hadn’t realized until I read this book was that Bennett had financed Henry Stanley’s expedition that led to finding Dr. Livingstone, who had been missing in Africa for six years.
Bennett’s rivals included Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst, all of whom became known for sensationalist “yellow” journalism. This book also tells the story of Adolph Ochs, a more responsible figure, who built up the New York Times, starting on a shoestring.
In 1909, two men returned from expeditions claiming to have discovered the North Pole. Their claims were difficult to evaluate, as the North Pole, unlike the South Pole, is not a fixed spot, but is covered by shifting water and ice. Robert Peary’s position was supported by the New York Times, which leaned Republican. Dr. Frederick Cook was supported by Bennett’s Herald, which was democratic and populist. The fight was bitter and divisive. To this day, it is not certain who got there first, or if either of them really got there at all.
I was more engaged by the stories of the NY newspapers than by the various expeditions discussed. The Peary/Cook dispute was something I had not been aware of before. I’m glad I learned about it, but I felt that it made that later part of the book drag a bit. Still, this was interesting and informative, and I’m glad I read it.
This book looks at the rise of big newspapers at that time (“news barons”) and how they promoted exploration of the north pole. Both are interesting stories by themselves. It’s an inspired combination.
James Bennett Jr. inherited the New York Herald from his father. In addition to leading a profligate lifestyle, he invested in exploration to generate stories to sell his newspaper. What I hadn’t realized until I read this book was that Bennett had financed Henry Stanley’s expedition that led to finding Dr. Livingstone, who had been missing in Africa for six years.
Bennett’s rivals included Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst, all of whom became known for sensationalist “yellow” journalism. This book also tells the story of Adolph Ochs, a more responsible figure, who built up the New York Times, starting on a shoestring.
In 1909, two men returned from expeditions claiming to have discovered the North Pole. Their claims were difficult to evaluate, as the North Pole, unlike the South Pole, is not a fixed spot, but is covered by shifting water and ice. Robert Peary’s position was supported by the New York Times, which leaned Republican. Dr. Frederick Cook was supported by Bennett’s Herald, which was democratic and populist. The fight was bitter and divisive. To this day, it is not certain who got there first, or if either of them really got there at all.
I was more engaged by the stories of the NY newspapers than by the various expeditions discussed. The Peary/Cook dispute was something I had not been aware of before. I’m glad I learned about it, but I felt that it made that later part of the book drag a bit. Still, this was interesting and informative, and I’m glad I read it.
June 16, 2023
I never would have thought a history of journalism would be this interesting, nor how journalism was tied to exploration of the poles, particularly the North Pole.
The basic conceit of the book is the contested account of who was the first to reach the North Pole - Cook or Peary. I won’t spoil the ending, but suffice to say, what I learned in history didn’t even scratch the surface of the story.
More interesting to me was the account of New York newspapers, their rise, their moguls, and their various approaches to covering the events. This was by far the most interesting part of the book to me.
The book dragged, in my opinion, when it was discussing the time between Peary’s journey and the settled outcome in the eyes of the public. Even though the participants were traveling the lecture circuit, nothing much was happening and no real progress was being made, so it made for a tedious account.
Much more engaging was the end, the conclusions, and the epilogue. Very much makes the book worth reading. Even more so if you have an interest in the history of the Press in modern America.
The basic conceit of the book is the contested account of who was the first to reach the North Pole - Cook or Peary. I won’t spoil the ending, but suffice to say, what I learned in history didn’t even scratch the surface of the story.
More interesting to me was the account of New York newspapers, their rise, their moguls, and their various approaches to covering the events. This was by far the most interesting part of the book to me.
The book dragged, in my opinion, when it was discussing the time between Peary’s journey and the settled outcome in the eyes of the public. Even though the participants were traveling the lecture circuit, nothing much was happening and no real progress was being made, so it made for a tedious account.
Much more engaging was the end, the conclusions, and the epilogue. Very much makes the book worth reading. Even more so if you have an interest in the history of the Press in modern America.
November 22, 2023
...so looking forward to author's talk today (9/8), cancelled, rescheduled 11/21!
exhilarating, suspenseful! I didn't get lost in a sea of information (multiple biographies, historical anecdotes, personal correspondences, serious allegations, poetic polar landscape...) strategically branched out from the linear trunk of the exploration and the newspapers journey, strategically paced, essential to sustain and enrich the reading experience.
exhilarating, suspenseful! I didn't get lost in a sea of information (multiple biographies, historical anecdotes, personal correspondences, serious allegations, poetic polar landscape...) strategically branched out from the linear trunk of the exploration and the newspapers journey, strategically paced, essential to sustain and enrich the reading experience.
October 18, 2023
Boring, repetitive, and lacking focus. Dnf
May 11, 2023
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Penguin Group Viking for an advance copy of this history on the interplay of media and exploration, and how these media wars continue to effect us today.
I have read a lot of books on exploration, especially polar exploration. I hate to say it but I like coldness of the environment, and sometimes the explorers themselves. The heroism, the villiany, and the terror. North and South, there have been many and I enjoyed them all. What always struck me and what was made in clear in this book was the importance of good public relations. A good article to gain an unknown explorer an audience with a wealthy donor, and exploration is not cheap. Good articles could lead to lucrative lecture series, or a bad article could kill a speaking career just starting. One paper, for papers were the medium of the time could make an average trip extraordinary, the bravest we as reporters have ever heard of, and sell many papers. Another could call a trek bunkem and hodge podge these so-called explorers never left their tents, and sell many papers. Papers sold, meant money, and power and even more money. Explorers could easily face the unknown out on the ice. It was the press that could be the more dangerous. Darrell Hartman in Battle of Ink and Ice: A Sensational Story of News Barons, North Pole Explorers, and the Making of Modern Media, looks at both exploration and how the press exploited these stories, selling papers, making money, and when needed rewriting the truth to fit the headline.
The book begins with an American explorer sending a telegram to his wife informing her that he was still alive after a long time out of contact. Frederick Cook was safe in the Shetland Islands in Scotland with a story to tell, which his following telegrams did. Cook claimed to have reached the North Pole, after years of many other explorers trying and failing. Cook telegrammed the publisher of the New York Herald promising him an exclusive on his travels 2,000 words. And began to make his way home, to thunderous acclaim and widespread interest. James Gordon Bennett was the publisher of the Herald, son of the founder who had really started the newspaper. Bennett was more sailor and playboy than publisher. His actions had led to his own self-exile from America due to a spray of embarrassment. Bennett began to writer about Cook as the great American hero, until another report began to go around. Robert Peary was also claiming that he had made it to the far north. And unlike Cook he had the evidence to back his statement, and a supporter in Albert Ochs, publisher of the New York Times. Soon the temperature was being raised as both newspapers supported their chosen explorers, with other papers, governments, groups and others claiming sides. A battle that will seem familiar in many ways to the media spats of today.
A book that covers both the frozen wilds, and the inner workings of the New York press rooms. A really interesting look at media barons, explorers, reporters and common people, both good and bad who all got caught up in this crazy media war. Hartman is a really good writer able to describe hulls on ships being caught in the ice, and the complicated financial chicanery that Ochs used to buy the Times. Not man writers could do that, and not lose the narrative, but Hartman balances both the cold, and ink parts of his story quite well. With a bit of humor, but it helps when most of the characters here are well weird is a good word for them. Hartman has a nice style, and readers never feel lost, nor wonder why something is gone into in such detail. Everything here is necessary, and really helps tell the story. Quite a different look at exploration, and an interesting look at the start of media consolidation.
Recommended for armchair explorers like myself who can't get enough of the cold and for those who are interested in the media, and where many of these companies began. A very well written book that will appeal to a lot of readers, and one that would be a perfect gift for those who appreciate thoughtful history books.
I have read a lot of books on exploration, especially polar exploration. I hate to say it but I like coldness of the environment, and sometimes the explorers themselves. The heroism, the villiany, and the terror. North and South, there have been many and I enjoyed them all. What always struck me and what was made in clear in this book was the importance of good public relations. A good article to gain an unknown explorer an audience with a wealthy donor, and exploration is not cheap. Good articles could lead to lucrative lecture series, or a bad article could kill a speaking career just starting. One paper, for papers were the medium of the time could make an average trip extraordinary, the bravest we as reporters have ever heard of, and sell many papers. Another could call a trek bunkem and hodge podge these so-called explorers never left their tents, and sell many papers. Papers sold, meant money, and power and even more money. Explorers could easily face the unknown out on the ice. It was the press that could be the more dangerous. Darrell Hartman in Battle of Ink and Ice: A Sensational Story of News Barons, North Pole Explorers, and the Making of Modern Media, looks at both exploration and how the press exploited these stories, selling papers, making money, and when needed rewriting the truth to fit the headline.
The book begins with an American explorer sending a telegram to his wife informing her that he was still alive after a long time out of contact. Frederick Cook was safe in the Shetland Islands in Scotland with a story to tell, which his following telegrams did. Cook claimed to have reached the North Pole, after years of many other explorers trying and failing. Cook telegrammed the publisher of the New York Herald promising him an exclusive on his travels 2,000 words. And began to make his way home, to thunderous acclaim and widespread interest. James Gordon Bennett was the publisher of the Herald, son of the founder who had really started the newspaper. Bennett was more sailor and playboy than publisher. His actions had led to his own self-exile from America due to a spray of embarrassment. Bennett began to writer about Cook as the great American hero, until another report began to go around. Robert Peary was also claiming that he had made it to the far north. And unlike Cook he had the evidence to back his statement, and a supporter in Albert Ochs, publisher of the New York Times. Soon the temperature was being raised as both newspapers supported their chosen explorers, with other papers, governments, groups and others claiming sides. A battle that will seem familiar in many ways to the media spats of today.
A book that covers both the frozen wilds, and the inner workings of the New York press rooms. A really interesting look at media barons, explorers, reporters and common people, both good and bad who all got caught up in this crazy media war. Hartman is a really good writer able to describe hulls on ships being caught in the ice, and the complicated financial chicanery that Ochs used to buy the Times. Not man writers could do that, and not lose the narrative, but Hartman balances both the cold, and ink parts of his story quite well. With a bit of humor, but it helps when most of the characters here are well weird is a good word for them. Hartman has a nice style, and readers never feel lost, nor wonder why something is gone into in such detail. Everything here is necessary, and really helps tell the story. Quite a different look at exploration, and an interesting look at the start of media consolidation.
Recommended for armchair explorers like myself who can't get enough of the cold and for those who are interested in the media, and where many of these companies began. A very well written book that will appeal to a lot of readers, and one that would be a perfect gift for those who appreciate thoughtful history books.
January 16, 2024
I've gotta give props to Hartman for combining Arctic exploration, turn-of-the-20th century media and the barons who created the culture of 20th century newspapers. I admit I did not have Robert Peary, Frederic Cook, James Gordon Bennett Jr. and Adolph Ochs on my literary bingo card.
So props to Hartman for tackling these subjects together.
Overall, it was an interesting read, especially when Hartman delved into the nuances of New York journalism in the late 19th and early 20th century. Yes, that's a particular interest of mine, so guilty as charged. But Hartman combines that with the battle to reach the North Pole and the controversy surrounding competing entities: Cook and Peary, mixing it with the various newspapers supporting both explorers.
Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst make cameos here that were as interesting as they were. That was one of the best parts of the book.
I had no idea that Peary's claim has largely been discredited. Like most kids, I grew up learning that Peary was the first to reach the North Pole. Apparently not, according to the detailed chronicling Hartman shows you in the latter part of the book.
The only drawback is the book kind of drags on this part, where Hartman shows off his meticulous research in a laborious-at-times fashion. Understandable that he wants to chronicle why both Cook and Peary pulled one over on the rest of us in terms of being the first to reach the pole. But sometimes, the trees block your view of the forest and Hartman's prose hits a mud bog.
The ending describing what became of the journalists and their papers seemed a bit rushed. You got me interested in these people, then kind of just wiped your hands and said "Peace, out." I would have liked to know a bit more.
Otherwise, this is a nice, fairly quick read on two fascinating subjects.
So props to Hartman for tackling these subjects together.
Overall, it was an interesting read, especially when Hartman delved into the nuances of New York journalism in the late 19th and early 20th century. Yes, that's a particular interest of mine, so guilty as charged. But Hartman combines that with the battle to reach the North Pole and the controversy surrounding competing entities: Cook and Peary, mixing it with the various newspapers supporting both explorers.
Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst make cameos here that were as interesting as they were. That was one of the best parts of the book.
I had no idea that Peary's claim has largely been discredited. Like most kids, I grew up learning that Peary was the first to reach the North Pole. Apparently not, according to the detailed chronicling Hartman shows you in the latter part of the book.
The only drawback is the book kind of drags on this part, where Hartman shows off his meticulous research in a laborious-at-times fashion. Understandable that he wants to chronicle why both Cook and Peary pulled one over on the rest of us in terms of being the first to reach the pole. But sometimes, the trees block your view of the forest and Hartman's prose hits a mud bog.
The ending describing what became of the journalists and their papers seemed a bit rushed. You got me interested in these people, then kind of just wiped your hands and said "Peace, out." I would have liked to know a bit more.
Otherwise, this is a nice, fairly quick read on two fascinating subjects.
May 25, 2023
I was attracted to this book because I always enjoy reading about Arctic exploration and had read nothing about the North Pole explorers; plus the idea of combining exploration with the development of modern media (and discovering exactly what that meant) sounded really interesting.
In the end the book was a mix for me. Mostly the "Battle of Ink and Ice" is about the history of the newspapers in New York, including very extensive biographies of founders. While much was interesting reading, I wasn't entirely convinced it all belonged in this particular book. Enough to explain the development of newspapers, especially the Times and Herald, yes- but this got into the weeds on so much more. It was overkill for me. By the time we got to Peary and Cook and their war about who had gotten to the North Pole, much of the newspaper history didn't even matter to me. The papers took sides, enjoyed creating sensations, and made lots of money out of it all. That was all I needed to know.
The explorers got the short end of the story, really only showing up towards the end where they come across as personalities trying to prove something that in the end, few people really thought mattered as such. It's a story we can all find familiar, something being blown up into a huge story when we aren't sure why it should be, because that's still how the media does things today. Maybe this was the beginning of it all, maybe not. While parts of the book were interesting, I'm not sure I'd recommend it to anyone interested in exploration- but certainly people interested in newspapers and the media will find it of interest.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
In the end the book was a mix for me. Mostly the "Battle of Ink and Ice" is about the history of the newspapers in New York, including very extensive biographies of founders. While much was interesting reading, I wasn't entirely convinced it all belonged in this particular book. Enough to explain the development of newspapers, especially the Times and Herald, yes- but this got into the weeds on so much more. It was overkill for me. By the time we got to Peary and Cook and their war about who had gotten to the North Pole, much of the newspaper history didn't even matter to me. The papers took sides, enjoyed creating sensations, and made lots of money out of it all. That was all I needed to know.
The explorers got the short end of the story, really only showing up towards the end where they come across as personalities trying to prove something that in the end, few people really thought mattered as such. It's a story we can all find familiar, something being blown up into a huge story when we aren't sure why it should be, because that's still how the media does things today. Maybe this was the beginning of it all, maybe not. While parts of the book were interesting, I'm not sure I'd recommend it to anyone interested in exploration- but certainly people interested in newspapers and the media will find it of interest.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
January 7, 2024
This story is a curious intersection of two topics: the rise of newspaper reporting during America’s (specifically New York’s) so called “gilded age” and the feats of arctic exploration happening at this time. The intersection focuses on the zeal with with the newspapers pursued their “scoops” over one another, with the North Pole being viewed as a giant scoop. The claim of reaching the pole by both Cook and Peary in 1909 became the big story used by newspapers as their path to increased sales and profits. Particularly in the New York Times and the now defunct Herald, each paper backed its chosen explorer with both words and money in order to gain attention. The book details how each paper became intertwined with one of these explorers, becoming champions of the claims made by their chosen protagonist. Claims which were a bit curious given the way the two men presented themselves and their supposed evidence; it seems that the expectation of the day was to take these men’s word for what they had done without validation. Making the papers’ manipulation of public opinion that much more malleable and therefore worthy of daily “reporting”. The final chapters were a bit tedious, however, as the many claims and counterclaims by the two explorers and their surrogates became a bit repetitive. An interesting read, but more so if you have a particular interest in one of these two topics.
July 6, 2023
This book started off very slowly, but I gave it four stars because it finally delivered on the promised exploration of the arctic and was quite fascinating in that telling. The first 3/4 of the book is a rather dry history of the beginnings of newsprint media as we know it today. There were some interesting insights however, particularly because of where the same papers are today. (Ahem, New York Times!) There were some that were more conservative and some that were willing to push the envelope. According to the author, all started purely editorial (outspoken bias), and it was only over time that they came to realize the advantage of just the facts. (If only that were still true today for the majority) the last 1/4 of the book discusses the rivalry between Cook and Peary in the discovery of the North Pole. It dawned on me in life before computer technology, how hard it would be to know or prove the discovery of any one exact location. My biggest objection to the book is that I felt this exploration only loosely ties to the previous 3/4 of the book. Certainly the “fraud” was promoted by newsprint. Come to think of it, maybe not much has changed over the years…
January 10, 2024
In the early part of the 20th century, Arctic exploration was a very big deal. And so were newspapers, the only mass media available.
The quest for the North Pole collided with a New York newspaper war in Battle of Ink and Ice, a look back at a world that simply does not exist anymore.
Two Arctic explorers, Robert Peary and Frederick Cook, both claimed to have discovered the North Pole. Each explorer had the support of rival newspapers, the staid and influential New York Times, and the raucous New York Herald. The fight set off a public frenzy, with both explorers being hailed as heroes (for a time, anyway) in a way that is unimaginable today, an era where heroes no longer exist. As a newspaper guy, I liked the chapters on the newspapers more than the explorers (the exploration details were a little beyond me), but they blend seamlessly in this thoughtful look back at a long-forgotten time. (PS, you may be wondering ... who did reach the North Pole first? Sorry, you'll have to read the book.)
The quest for the North Pole collided with a New York newspaper war in Battle of Ink and Ice, a look back at a world that simply does not exist anymore.
Two Arctic explorers, Robert Peary and Frederick Cook, both claimed to have discovered the North Pole. Each explorer had the support of rival newspapers, the staid and influential New York Times, and the raucous New York Herald. The fight set off a public frenzy, with both explorers being hailed as heroes (for a time, anyway) in a way that is unimaginable today, an era where heroes no longer exist. As a newspaper guy, I liked the chapters on the newspapers more than the explorers (the exploration details were a little beyond me), but they blend seamlessly in this thoughtful look back at a long-forgotten time. (PS, you may be wondering ... who did reach the North Pole first? Sorry, you'll have to read the book.)
July 21, 2023
This review is for the audiobook version.
I loved this book;it was terrific. I Cho’s to read it because I had read the author,’s prior book, ‘The Lost City of the Monkey God’, and fell in love with it.
This book tells the story of two American explorers, Robert Peru and Frederick Cook, both who ultimately claimed to have reached the North Pole first. The book focuses on the relationship of the explorers’ contest with the contest between the New York Herald and the New York Post newspapers to report on the race to the reading public.
The author has done great research on the backgrounds of the owners of the Herald and the Times newspapers . . .their personalities, their personal philosophies in running their respective papers, and the resulting choices made by each. The author also did a wonderful job of contrasting the personalities of both explorers who were once close friends. The result made for a terrific story for the reader. Highly recommended.
I loved this book;it was terrific. I Cho’s to read it because I had read the author,’s prior book, ‘The Lost City of the Monkey God’, and fell in love with it.
This book tells the story of two American explorers, Robert Peru and Frederick Cook, both who ultimately claimed to have reached the North Pole first. The book focuses on the relationship of the explorers’ contest with the contest between the New York Herald and the New York Post newspapers to report on the race to the reading public.
The author has done great research on the backgrounds of the owners of the Herald and the Times newspapers . . .their personalities, their personal philosophies in running their respective papers, and the resulting choices made by each. The author also did a wonderful job of contrasting the personalities of both explorers who were once close friends. The result made for a terrific story for the reader. Highly recommended.
September 8, 2023
Egocentric rich guys are nothing new. Publisher James Gordon Bennett, Jr., of the 19th Century New York Herald was one. His paper was dominant and, in return for exclusive rights to publish reports of an arctic expedition, he funded one Frederick Cook to “find” the north pole. Then comes along Adolph Ochs who “saved” the moribund New York Times by proving that a newspaper could be successful by publishing “straight” news. (Yes, most other NYC papers of the era did not: “fake” news was prevalent then as well as today). Ochs engaged Robert Peary to reach the pole. Cook reported first (1908); Peary, second (1909). Great contention arose as to who was really first and about the accuracy of their expedition reports. This highly readable book is an engaging account of who really was the first to reach the North Pole. Before reading this book my answer would have been wrong. Thanks, Darrell Hartman for this engrossing read.
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October 5, 2023Hartman's history straddles two events of the early 20th century. The rise of newspapers-in particular the New York Herald and NY Times- and the race for the North Pole between Peary and Cook. For the most part it works well. The book begins with Cook's surprising claim of discovery which set the cat amongst the pigeons and then doubles back and covers in some depth the history of arctic exploration from the 1880s on. I'm not sure this background was necessary for this book. The rivalry between the two NY dailies is entertaining reading and especially so on the capricious personality of the Herald's owner James Gordon Bennett. The Times grew up under the tutelage of Adolph Ochs and their championing Peary was part of this burgeoning growth of influence. The climax of the book is the inevitable collapse of both Cook and Peary's claims of having reached the North Pole. This history is covered elsewhere but is always fascinating reading.
November 5, 2023
Explorers have always been a special kind of person. In the early 1900's the pursuit of the North Pole was one that literally gripped the world. Two men, Robert Peary and Frederick Cook, battled to reach the Pole first and tell their stories, marking their place in the annals of history as being "The One" who made it to the top of the world. And telling that story fell into the hands of two New York newspapers, the Herald and the Times. The papers competed against each other to hold "their man" up as the one who was the rightful victor of the journey North. And neither were above controversy or muck raking to be the one with the scoop. Peary and Cook's story would create a new kind of new coverage that we are still dealing with all these decades later. This books asks the journalistic question of where does truth end and the need to sell the story begin? Personality, politics and the press all collide in this though provoking book.
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