Publisher's Synopsis
""Vikings of the Ice"" is a captivating memoir written by George Allan England, chronicling his first-hand experience as a tenderfoot on a great Newfoundland seal hunt. The book takes readers on a thrilling adventure through the icy waters of the North Atlantic, where England and his fellow hunters brave treacherous conditions to hunt and capture seals for their valuable fur. Along the way, England provides vivid descriptions of the rugged landscape, the fascinating culture of the local Inuit people, and the unique challenges and dangers of life on the ice. Through his engaging storytelling, England offers readers a glimpse into a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in maritime history, while also exploring themes of survival, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of adventure. With its rich blend of history, adventure, and personal narrative, ""Vikings of the Ice"" is a must-read for anyone interested in the lore of the sea and the rugged beauty of the wild North.1924. This book was written as the result of some six weeks' experience on two sealing steamers, the Terra Nova and the Eagle, out of St. John's, Newfoundland. Its purpose is to fill a gap which has persisted astonishingly long. For many years the Newfoundland seal hunt has been the greatest hunt in the world, and that so little has been written about it is a mystery. The world as a whole knows little of it. Even many Newfoundlanders of the better class remain comparatively ignorant of this gorgeous epic of violence, hardship and bloodshed. In so far as personal observation can avail, I have tried to record and portray all the essential features of Newfoundland sealing. Contents: Prelusions; The World's Greatest Hunt; Northward Ho!; Shaking Down; Into the Ice; Worship �������Tweendecks; Baptism of Blood; The Life of a Seal; The Hunt Continues; An Evening with the Muses; Laboring On; Past and Present; A Touch of Near-Tragedy; A Visit from the Air; Odds and Ends; The Sealer and His Ways; Bombs; A Bit of History; A Short Chapter on a Long Sunday; Powers of Darkness; Mucking Along; A Brush with Hoods; Gunners and Dogs!; Newfoundland Contrasts; A Newfoundland Outport; Trailing the Herd; And Still We Slaughter; Tails and Tobacco; and Homeward Bound.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
