The German Arctic Expedition of 1869–70
And Narrative of the Wreck of the Hansa in the Ice
Cambridge Library Collection - Polar Exploration Series

This heavily illustrated book is an account of a German Arctic expedition, published in 1873?4 by its commander Karl Koldewey (1837?1908) and in this English translation in 1874. The states of northern Germany had a long tradition of trade and exploration in northern waters. As the German empire came into being, two major expeditions were launched, both commanded by Koldewey. The second, of 1869?70, consisted of two vessels, the Germania and the Hansa, a supply ship. The Hansa became separated in fog, failed to reach the fallback rendezvous, was icebound, and finally sank, while the crew survived for nine months on a diminishing ice floe until they reached the coast of Greenland in their surviving small boats. The Germania reached the north of Greenland before encountering pack ice, and was successful in surveying the coast and collecting botanical specimens, before returning safely in 1870.

Introduction; Part I. Joint Passage of the Two Ships, and Voyage of the Hansa: 1. Joint voyage of the Germania and the Hansa; 2. Further passage of the two ships to the ice; 3. To the separation of the ships on 20 July; 4. Further voyage of the Hansa up to her blockade in the coast-ice; 5. From the blocking up of the Hansa to the settlement upon the floe; 6. Drifting to the south; 7. Post nubila Phoebus; 8. Journey along the coast of Greenland; 9. Further stay in Friedrichsthal; 10. Lichtenau; 11. In Julianeshab; 12. Kaksimiut; Part II. Voyage of the Germania: 1. Continuation of the voyage after separation from the Hansa; 2. Pendulum Island; 3. Shannon Island; 4. Further coasting of the Germania; 5. Sledge-journey to the Fligely Fjord; 6. Preparations for wintering; 7. Sledge-journey to Clavering Island; 8. Winter night; 9. First month of 1870; 10. Long sledge-journey on the coast northwards; 11. Sledge-journey to Ardencaple Inlet; 12. Hunting and animal life in east Greenland; 13. Sledge-journeys in spring; 14. Excursions to Sabine and Clavering Islands; 15. The Germania steams northwards; 16. Coast voyage of the Germania; 17. Sailing into the fjord; 18. Return to Bremerhaven; Conclusion; Appendix.