The desk in the Whitehouse - NonFiction

Ghostcrawler

Expert Driver
One of my more recent reads was Resolute by Martin W. Sandler that was a very interesting detailed summarizing of one of the more tragic chain of events dealing with Arctic exploration and looking for the Northwest Passage that leads from the early 1800's to the desk that's been used by many and most Commander in Chiefs up to present day times.

Here's a blurb:
This amazing high-seas adventure encompasses the search for the Northwest Passage in the early 1800s; a renowned British explorer and his crew of 128 men who vanish during an 1845 expedition; 39 incredible, heroic attempted rescue missions; a ghost ship that drifts for more than 1,200 miles; a queen’s gratitude; and that famous desk.

The desk is in fact made from the wood timbers of the ship that was lost then found. This wasn't my most favorite read about Arctic exploration, as there are other books that really detail certain expeditions, but this is probably the one that has more of a connection with modern day history and really emphasizes the folly of man. When given no limits it goes to prove how far his ignorance can take him. It also shows a different light on early day America and how we put a lot on the line to try to find answers for what had happened to England's most famous (at the time) folly not long after we'd gained our independence from them.

This book would probably make a good gift for any man who's had a bit of wanderlust in his heart or interest in not just history, but events that shaped history.

I would personally rate this as a B+ read and something that may spark interesting conversations if kept center on a bookshelf.
 
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