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After the North Pole: A Story of Survival, Mythmaking, and Melting Ice
The Norwegian explorer, philosopher and acclaimed writer chronicles his historic 58-day journey to the North Pole on skis in this gripping and thought-provoking memoir that is also a profound meditation about nature and our place within it.Ìý
The North Pole looms large in our collective psyche—the ultimate Otherland in a world mapped and traversed. It is the center of our planet’s rotation, one of the places that is most vulnerable in an epoch of global climate change. Its sub-zero temperatures and strange year of one sunset and one sunrise make it an eerie, utterly disorienting place that challenges human endurance and understanding.
Erling Kagge and his friend Børge Ousland became the first people “to ever reach the pole without dogs, without depots and without motorized aids,� skiing for 58 days from a drop off point on the ice edge of Canada’s northernmost island.
In magisterial prose, Erling narrates his epic, record-making journey, probing the physical challenges and psychological motivations for embarking on such an epic expedition, the history of the territory’s exploration, its place in legend and art, and the thrilling adventures he experienced during the trek. It is another example of what bestselling author Robert MacFarlane has called “Kagge’s extraordinary life in wild places,�
Erling offers surprises on every page while observing the key role that this place holds in our current climate and geopolitical conversations. As majestic, mesmerizing, and monumental as the terrain it captures, The North Pole is for anyone who has gazed out at the horizon—and wondered what happens if you keep going.
The North Pole is illustrated with 12-14 photographs.
Translated from the Norwegian by Kari Dickson.
The North Pole looms large in our collective psyche—the ultimate Otherland in a world mapped and traversed. It is the center of our planet’s rotation, one of the places that is most vulnerable in an epoch of global climate change. Its sub-zero temperatures and strange year of one sunset and one sunrise make it an eerie, utterly disorienting place that challenges human endurance and understanding.
Erling Kagge and his friend Børge Ousland became the first people “to ever reach the pole without dogs, without depots and without motorized aids,� skiing for 58 days from a drop off point on the ice edge of Canada’s northernmost island.
In magisterial prose, Erling narrates his epic, record-making journey, probing the physical challenges and psychological motivations for embarking on such an epic expedition, the history of the territory’s exploration, its place in legend and art, and the thrilling adventures he experienced during the trek. It is another example of what bestselling author Robert MacFarlane has called “Kagge’s extraordinary life in wild places,�
Erling offers surprises on every page while observing the key role that this place holds in our current climate and geopolitical conversations. As majestic, mesmerizing, and monumental as the terrain it captures, The North Pole is for anyone who has gazed out at the horizon—and wondered what happens if you keep going.
The North Pole is illustrated with 12-14 photographs.
Translated from the Norwegian by Kari Dickson.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published February 11, 2025
39 people are currently reading
644 people want to read
About the author
Erling Kagge
31Ìýbooks414ÌýfollowersErling Kagge is a Norwegian explorer, lawyer, art collector, entrepreneur, politician, author and publisher.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 17, 2025
This book ended up being so much more than I initially expected it to be. It was about the author's journey and experience of going to the North Pole, yes, but it was a profound history of those who have attempted to reach the North Pole.
I found it both educational and fascinating. It captured so much, including some of the more stark realities of what will happen when the ice melts away.
I am so grateful they translated this book into English so I could enjoy it.
I found it both educational and fascinating. It captured so much, including some of the more stark realities of what will happen when the ice melts away.
I am so grateful they translated this book into English so I could enjoy it.
February 8, 2025
„Adventure is all about deliberately making life more difficult than it needs to be, and having far less control over yourself and your surroundings�.
Despite the title, this is not a typical adventure book focused on the narrator's exploits. Written a few decades after the heroic journey to the North Pole, it is more a meditation on the human urge to explore and the fascination with polar regions, from ancient times to the present. It is beautiful, lyrical, and informative. The author touches on many topics, from cartography to literature to biographies of many explorers, but the part I loved the most were the snippets that reveal why anyone would choose to travel to such hostile places.
While I can't compare my humble thru-hikes in Sweden or Scotland to Kagge's expeditions, his words rang so true to me because they perfectly capture why I choose to spend my vacations sleeping in a tent and dragging a heavy backpack, in the cold, wind and rain.
Here is another sample: „There has to be a price, some form of discomfort—the cold, wind, thirst, and steep slopes. Satisfaction comes from continuing to move laboriously forward in the right direction, no matter what. Not knowing if you will reach your goal. That is when life feels real. Time expands�.
Highly recommended to anyone who has ever felt this way, or who is hesitant to leave a warm home for the unknown. It is so worth it.
Thanks to the publisher, HarperOne, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Despite the title, this is not a typical adventure book focused on the narrator's exploits. Written a few decades after the heroic journey to the North Pole, it is more a meditation on the human urge to explore and the fascination with polar regions, from ancient times to the present. It is beautiful, lyrical, and informative. The author touches on many topics, from cartography to literature to biographies of many explorers, but the part I loved the most were the snippets that reveal why anyone would choose to travel to such hostile places.
While I can't compare my humble thru-hikes in Sweden or Scotland to Kagge's expeditions, his words rang so true to me because they perfectly capture why I choose to spend my vacations sleeping in a tent and dragging a heavy backpack, in the cold, wind and rain.
Here is another sample: „There has to be a price, some form of discomfort—the cold, wind, thirst, and steep slopes. Satisfaction comes from continuing to move laboriously forward in the right direction, no matter what. Not knowing if you will reach your goal. That is when life feels real. Time expands�.
Highly recommended to anyone who has ever felt this way, or who is hesitant to leave a warm home for the unknown. It is so worth it.
Thanks to the publisher, HarperOne, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
January 3, 2025
Polarhistorie, ny og gammel, slutter ikke å fascinere. Boka Kagge har skrevet tar for seg hans egne erfaringer og kjente og glemte polarekspedisjoner fra historien. Pluss en masse fabuleringer om metafysiske og geopolitiske aspekter omkring polpunktet. Pluss reindyrka sladder. Det er ikke tvil om at Kagge har grublet mye og gjort grundig research. Dessverre har han ikke evnet å høvle vekk før det ble bok av dette. Her er mye rart og uferdig. Spesielt synes jeg spekuleringene rundt gamle skrifter blir svake.
Men hovedinntrykket er at dette er et godt tema å skrive bok om. For det meste var det interessant lesing. Og nå vet jeg at russerne var de aller første som nådde Nordpolen. Kjekt å vite f.eks på en quiz. Jeg leste den norske versjonen
Men hovedinntrykket er at dette er et godt tema å skrive bok om. For det meste var det interessant lesing. Og nå vet jeg at russerne var de aller første som nådde Nordpolen. Kjekt å vite f.eks på en quiz. Jeg leste den norske versjonen
March 31, 2025
One can only stand in awe of a character like Erling Kagge: so many challenges faced, obstacles overcome. The book is a different matter. The stuff about the Imaginary North Pole (the one inhabiting myths and legends) feels like makeweight here, interleaved as it is with an account of an expedition over 30 years in the past.
February 27, 2025
This fascinating book is partly a history of expeditions to the North Pole and partly a memoir of the author's impressive feat of skiing to the North Pole. Well written, factual, and descriptive, the author allows the reader to feel the struggle, the bitter cold, and the hunger that comes with these danger filled attempts.
March 19, 2025
I devour books on exploration and the unimaginable hardships it took for these explorers to survive, or not, in such harsh and extreme environments.
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April 12, 2025Book Review: After the North Pole: A Story of Survival, Mythmaking, and Melting Ice by Erling Kagge
In After the North Pole: A Story of Survival, Mythmaking, and Melting Ice, Erling Kagge, a renowned explorer, author, and philosopher, offers a thought-provoking reflection on humanity’s relationship with the polar regions, particularly in the context of climate change and environmental degradation. Blending adventure narrative with philosophical musings, Kagge takes readers on a journey that traverses both the physical and metaphysical landscapes of the North Pole, while engaging with the pressing issues surrounding our changing planet.
Content Overview
Kagge’s work is crafted as both a memoir of his polar explorations and a conceptual exploration of what the North Pole represents in contemporary culture. Following his experiences in this extreme environment, he delves into themes of survival, myth, and the profound implications of melting ice. Structured around his personal narratives and reflections, the book is interspersed with historical anecdotes and scientific insights that highlight the significance of the Arctic in global climate discussions.
The narrative opens with Kagge recounting his own expeditions to the North Pole, vividly describing the challenges faced and the beauty of the desolate landscape. However, as the title suggests, the focus quickly shifts from mere exploration to a deeper inquiry into the myths and stories we construct around such places. Kagge engages with the symbolism of the North Pole, pondering its role as a site of human aspiration and as a barometer of environmental health.
Thematic Exploration
Several key themes dominate After the North Pole:
Survival in Extreme Environments: Kagge reflects on his personal experiences with survival in harsh conditions, offering insights into human resilience and adaptability. His narratives serve as powerful reminders of the innate drive to explore and conquer the unknown, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Mythmaking and Cultural Significance: The author explores how the North Pole has been mythologized throughout history, from early explorations to modern-day representations in literature and media. He examines the stories we tell about the Arctic and how they shape our understanding of nature and our own identities.
Climate Change and Environmental Urgency: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to discussing the impact of climate change on the polar regions. Kagge emphasizes the urgency of acknowledging the realities of melting ice and the implications for global ecosystems. His reflections encourage readers to confront environmental issues rather than ignore them.
Philosophical Inquiry: Interspersed throughout the narrative are philosophical contemplations on human existence, purpose, and the relationship between humanity and nature. Kagge prompts readers to consider what it means to live in a world facing ecological crises and how our connections to remote places can influence our behaviors and beliefs.
Hope and Action: Despite the somber themes, the book ultimately carries a message of hope. Kagge calls for a collective awareness and action regarding climate change, urging readers to engage with and protect the natural world. He posits that understanding our shared humanity and the stories we create can foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Style and Accessibility
Kagge’s writing style is both lyrical and contemplative, effectively melding narrative with philosophical discourse. His ability to evoke vivid imagery allows readers to experience the Arctic landscape firsthand, while his insights encourage deeper reflection on existential themes. This accessibility makes the book appealing not only to those interested in exploration and adventure but also to a broader audience concerned with environmental issues.
Practical Implications
After the North Pole is an essential read for scholars, students, and general readers interested in the intersections of exploration, environmental science, and cultural studies. Kagge’s blend of personal narrative and critical analysis serves as both a memoir and a call to action, offering a unique perspective on how we understand and interact with our planet. The book highlights the importance of storytelling in shaping our responses to climate change and underscores the power of individual and collective action.
Conclusion
Erling Kagge’s After the North Pole: A Story of Survival, Mythmaking, and Melting Ice is a profound and timely exploration of the complexities surrounding the polar regions and their significance to humanity. Through his engaging narrative and thoughtful reflections, Kagge not only captures the stark beauty of the Arctic but also invokes a sense of urgency regarding the environmental challenges we face. This book serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our stories, our actions, and the fragile world we inhabit, making it a vital contribution to contemporary discussions on exploration and climate change.
In After the North Pole: A Story of Survival, Mythmaking, and Melting Ice, Erling Kagge, a renowned explorer, author, and philosopher, offers a thought-provoking reflection on humanity’s relationship with the polar regions, particularly in the context of climate change and environmental degradation. Blending adventure narrative with philosophical musings, Kagge takes readers on a journey that traverses both the physical and metaphysical landscapes of the North Pole, while engaging with the pressing issues surrounding our changing planet.
Content Overview
Kagge’s work is crafted as both a memoir of his polar explorations and a conceptual exploration of what the North Pole represents in contemporary culture. Following his experiences in this extreme environment, he delves into themes of survival, myth, and the profound implications of melting ice. Structured around his personal narratives and reflections, the book is interspersed with historical anecdotes and scientific insights that highlight the significance of the Arctic in global climate discussions.
The narrative opens with Kagge recounting his own expeditions to the North Pole, vividly describing the challenges faced and the beauty of the desolate landscape. However, as the title suggests, the focus quickly shifts from mere exploration to a deeper inquiry into the myths and stories we construct around such places. Kagge engages with the symbolism of the North Pole, pondering its role as a site of human aspiration and as a barometer of environmental health.
Thematic Exploration
Several key themes dominate After the North Pole:
Survival in Extreme Environments: Kagge reflects on his personal experiences with survival in harsh conditions, offering insights into human resilience and adaptability. His narratives serve as powerful reminders of the innate drive to explore and conquer the unknown, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Mythmaking and Cultural Significance: The author explores how the North Pole has been mythologized throughout history, from early explorations to modern-day representations in literature and media. He examines the stories we tell about the Arctic and how they shape our understanding of nature and our own identities.
Climate Change and Environmental Urgency: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to discussing the impact of climate change on the polar regions. Kagge emphasizes the urgency of acknowledging the realities of melting ice and the implications for global ecosystems. His reflections encourage readers to confront environmental issues rather than ignore them.
Philosophical Inquiry: Interspersed throughout the narrative are philosophical contemplations on human existence, purpose, and the relationship between humanity and nature. Kagge prompts readers to consider what it means to live in a world facing ecological crises and how our connections to remote places can influence our behaviors and beliefs.
Hope and Action: Despite the somber themes, the book ultimately carries a message of hope. Kagge calls for a collective awareness and action regarding climate change, urging readers to engage with and protect the natural world. He posits that understanding our shared humanity and the stories we create can foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Style and Accessibility
Kagge’s writing style is both lyrical and contemplative, effectively melding narrative with philosophical discourse. His ability to evoke vivid imagery allows readers to experience the Arctic landscape firsthand, while his insights encourage deeper reflection on existential themes. This accessibility makes the book appealing not only to those interested in exploration and adventure but also to a broader audience concerned with environmental issues.
Practical Implications
After the North Pole is an essential read for scholars, students, and general readers interested in the intersections of exploration, environmental science, and cultural studies. Kagge’s blend of personal narrative and critical analysis serves as both a memoir and a call to action, offering a unique perspective on how we understand and interact with our planet. The book highlights the importance of storytelling in shaping our responses to climate change and underscores the power of individual and collective action.
Conclusion
Erling Kagge’s After the North Pole: A Story of Survival, Mythmaking, and Melting Ice is a profound and timely exploration of the complexities surrounding the polar regions and their significance to humanity. Through his engaging narrative and thoughtful reflections, Kagge not only captures the stark beauty of the Arctic but also invokes a sense of urgency regarding the environmental challenges we face. This book serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our stories, our actions, and the fragile world we inhabit, making it a vital contribution to contemporary discussions on exploration and climate change.
April 23, 2025
I'm going to address some of the other things I've seen in reviews.
There were a couple of reviews from people who abandoned the book within 25 or 50 pages. I'm not sure why, but I wasn't really liking the book at the beginning. But it really hooked me once it got into the stories of the expeditions.
So I've been a little obsessed with the Northwest Passage recently. So when I came upon this book at the library, it was meant to be. Now I have a new bucket list destination.
So I guess I was familiar with the North Pole, but may not have fully understood what it was. The very point at the top of the Earth.
Some cool things I learned. At the North Pole, the sun rises once a year and sets once a year. March 31 and Sept. 22.
If you are at the North Pole, you can walk through several times zones just by taking a few steps. You can even go back in time, since it's easy to go through multiple longitudes. The longitudes all come together at the poles.
Just to give you an idea how fair north this is....Much of Alaska is below the Artic Line of 66.33 Latitude. The North Pole is at 90. Appleton Wisconsin is 44.26.
The book is really a history of all the expeditions to the North Pole through the years. The author also talks about his personal experience skiing 500 miles from very Northern Canada to the North Pole, but that's really secondary. What I really appreciated was that he didn't embellish his story to make it sound good. Many books do that and it makes you doubt the story. He also critiqued the stories of the other polar expeditions that claimed to have made it to the North Pole.
The book has led to some fun exploring, such as if you go north over the North Pole from Canada, where do you end up? Had to get my globe out for that one.
Now I also want to visit the Polar expeditions museum in Tromso some day.
There were a couple of reviews from people who abandoned the book within 25 or 50 pages. I'm not sure why, but I wasn't really liking the book at the beginning. But it really hooked me once it got into the stories of the expeditions.
So I've been a little obsessed with the Northwest Passage recently. So when I came upon this book at the library, it was meant to be. Now I have a new bucket list destination.
So I guess I was familiar with the North Pole, but may not have fully understood what it was. The very point at the top of the Earth.
Some cool things I learned. At the North Pole, the sun rises once a year and sets once a year. March 31 and Sept. 22.
If you are at the North Pole, you can walk through several times zones just by taking a few steps. You can even go back in time, since it's easy to go through multiple longitudes. The longitudes all come together at the poles.
Just to give you an idea how fair north this is....Much of Alaska is below the Artic Line of 66.33 Latitude. The North Pole is at 90. Appleton Wisconsin is 44.26.
The book is really a history of all the expeditions to the North Pole through the years. The author also talks about his personal experience skiing 500 miles from very Northern Canada to the North Pole, but that's really secondary. What I really appreciated was that he didn't embellish his story to make it sound good. Many books do that and it makes you doubt the story. He also critiqued the stories of the other polar expeditions that claimed to have made it to the North Pole.
The book has led to some fun exploring, such as if you go north over the North Pole from Canada, where do you end up? Had to get my globe out for that one.
Now I also want to visit the Polar expeditions museum in Tromso some day.
March 20, 2025
"It is often important to take something home from any journey of exploration over sea and land-a souvenir, something concrete, proof. But all there is at the North Pole is cold air, cold water, and ice. The North Pole is like an abstract painting, freed from all form. There is nothing of real substance there. And yet it is a destination, the start of many adventures and a source of myths throughout recorded human time."
"It only takes a few steps to walk around the world and cross twenty-four time zones. If you walk with the sun, in other words west, 360 degrees around the polar point, you walk into yesterday when you pass the dateline."
The temperature is rising in the Arctic at twice the speed of the global average. After 75,000 generations with an ice-covered Arctic Ocean, we may be the first generation to experience an ice-free ocean in summer.
"It only takes a few steps to walk around the world and cross twenty-four time zones. If you walk with the sun, in other words west, 360 degrees around the polar point, you walk into yesterday when you pass the dateline."
The temperature is rising in the Arctic at twice the speed of the global average. After 75,000 generations with an ice-covered Arctic Ocean, we may be the first generation to experience an ice-free ocean in summer.
Read
March 29, 2025DNF. Got about 100 pages in and I wasn’t jiving with the mostly uncritical praise for enlightenment-era thinking about exploration and colonial conquest. The book, to that point, had managed to tell the history of human contact with the North, with barely anything other than a passing mention of Inuit people. I was down with the sections more narrowly focused on the science and astronomy of the North Pole.
April 13, 2025
A thorough and comprehensive review of the history of polar explorers, providing in depth research into the various men who tried to reach the true North Pole. I got lost in the details of these men of the past, and some of their hypotheses about what was at the North Pole. I learned a lot about the North Pole in this book, including the different North Poles. I would have just liked to read more about the author's personal experience getting there.
March 23, 2025
Very interesting read. I appreciated how this went from the myths/legends/philosophies around the North Pole, explaining what the 4 Poles are, and then the history and interspacing with his own travel in 1990 and how he prepared. It was very insightful and I also learned that polar explorers seem to be liars. It is curious that we still don't really know who made it to the North Pole first.
April 22, 2025
This was so much more than I expected! Not just a personal story of his own expedition, but thoughtful discussion of other expeditions and why people are driven to test themselves. Well written. Fascinating read!
February 26, 2025
DNF.
My wife and I started reading but did not get into this book. We stopped after about 25 pages.
My wife and I started reading but did not get into this book. We stopped after about 25 pages.
February 27, 2025
interesting book that's definitely less about the actual adventure and more about life and all that such stuff. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.
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