Until the early twentieth century, the north and south polar regions remained unknowns, shrouded in white wilderness; the mystery demanded resolution, and the feat of reaching the poles would guarantee immortality. This book by renowned marine historian John Maxtone-Graham, tells the exciting story of the exploits of the polar explorers, who overcame fearsome odds and horrendous conditions. Neither radio nor aircraft had been invented; there was no nylon, no vitamins, and the food was often so primitively preserved as to be poisonous. The men camped overnight in subzero agony, their sweat-soaked furs frozen the moment they stopped. Safe Return Doubtful covers every aspect of the polar game: ships, sledges, primus stoves, animals, rations, frostbite, scurvy, and, always, these remarkable men and their dogged search for polar immortality