Written in 1903, Robert Dunn tells the story of a failed hike up Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America. Led by “The Professor” Frederick Cook, described by the author as “a fearful combination of stubbornness and indecision,” the trip is doomed for failure. Dunn was a 26 year old Harvard graduate and gold prospector.
The expedition team is hastily thrown together with almost zero mountaineering experience, and Dunn is unable to hide his hatred of almost all his companions. He is also openly anti-Semitic and “Simon” the only Jewish member of the team is made to suffer at almost every turn.
The 15 horses are in poor condition even at the start of the trail and spend much of the time running away from the trekking party. Mosquitoes and gnats bombard the group who sometimes fail to travel even 5kms a day. The party fail to get above 4000 of McKinley´s 6194 metres.
Frederick Cook gained notoriety for falsely claiming to be the first explorer to reach the North Pole and the summit of McKinley.
Aub´s Verdict: Wild!
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