Description

Book Synopsis

On 1 September 1909, American explorer Frederick Cook caused one of the biggest sensations in exploration history when, after a year with no word from him, news arrived that he had not only survived his Arctic expedition but had become the first person to ever reach the North Pole.

Cook was instantly transformed into one of the heroes of the age. With his boat due to arrive in Copenhagen a few days later, journalists from across Europe scrambled to get there in time to meet him.

One of them was Philip Gibbs, an obscure British reporter whose chance encounter in a Copenhagen café led to an exclusive interview with Cook before he reached land. But the interview left Gibbs doubting the explorer’s story, and so he decided to gamble his career and credibility by making it clear he thought Cook was lying. And so began a frantic few days when Cook was showered with accolades while Gibbs tried to prove his claim was a fraud.

The Explorer and the Journalist is the extraordinary story of a high-stakes confrontation from which only one of Gibbs and Cook would emerge with their reputation intact.



Trade Review

*“Excellent” - * British Journalism Review **

* British Journalism Review *

*“Richard Evans writes in a factual but addictive manner that reels you in” - *Nimrod journal **

* Nimrod journal *

“Gripping” - Daily Express

* Daily Express *

The Explorer and the Journalist: Frederick Cook,

    Product form

    £17.00

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £20.00 – you save £3.00 (15%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Mon 22 Jun 2026.

    A Hardback by Richard Evans

    2 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of The Explorer and the Journalist: Frederick Cook, by Richard Evans

      Publisher: The History Press Ltd
      Publication Date: 25/05/2023
      ISBN13: 9781803991931, 978-1803991931
      ISBN10: 1803991933

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      On 1 September 1909, American explorer Frederick Cook caused one of the biggest sensations in exploration history when, after a year with no word from him, news arrived that he had not only survived his Arctic expedition but had become the first person to ever reach the North Pole.

      Cook was instantly transformed into one of the heroes of the age. With his boat due to arrive in Copenhagen a few days later, journalists from across Europe scrambled to get there in time to meet him.

      One of them was Philip Gibbs, an obscure British reporter whose chance encounter in a Copenhagen café led to an exclusive interview with Cook before he reached land. But the interview left Gibbs doubting the explorer’s story, and so he decided to gamble his career and credibility by making it clear he thought Cook was lying. And so began a frantic few days when Cook was showered with accolades while Gibbs tried to prove his claim was a fraud.

      The Explorer and the Journalist is the extraordinary story of a high-stakes confrontation from which only one of Gibbs and Cook would emerge with their reputation intact.



      Trade Review

      *“Excellent” - * British Journalism Review **

      * British Journalism Review *

      *“Richard Evans writes in a factual but addictive manner that reels you in” - *Nimrod journal **

      * Nimrod journal *

      “Gripping” - Daily Express

      * Daily Express *

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account