The author is clearly very familiar with Arctic exploration …

The author is clearly very familiar with Arctic exploration literature. . . .  The author has put together a compelling story about the three larger-than-life characters, Fridtjof Nansen, Otto Sverdrup, and Roald Amundsen. . . . By using Fram as a centerpiece  he has broadened the scope of the book far beyond episodes directly related to the history of the vessel. His presentation includes many sidebar statements on topics such as polar ice in general, personal experiences in the Arctic, comments on polar seasons, and the general differences between the two polar regions.