The Hollanders in Nova Zembla (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1884. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... among the most remarkable exploits of that enterprising nation; and the ten months' residence of the adventurous seamen, in the course of the third voyage, at the farthest extremity of the inhospitable region of Nova Zembla, within fourteen degrees of the North Pole, and their homeward journey of upward of seventeen hundred geographical miles in two small open boats, are events full of romantic interest. Although these essays to shorten the passage to India by sailing North involve incidentally almost the whole work of Holland in the Arctic field, yet in this commendable but futile struggle to force a passage to the East by the northward England has borne a conspicuous part above that of any other country, and as hers was the earliest work, it is impossible not to give it a passing mention in this prefatory survey. Almost from the hour when Columbus promised a way to the East "by the West" England tenaciously held to the possibility of finding a navigable passage in that direction. Nor this only. She willingly employed in the great quest men of foreign birth, for the Venetian Cabots, sailing from Bristol, were the first to attempt a Northwest passage, unless we except the rather indefinite essay of Columbus, made only a little earlier. Englishmen, it is true, have sought to reach this goal of early mercantile endeavor by sailing to the northeast. Indeed, some time before Holland awoke to commercial rivalry with England, Sebastian Cabot himself--pensioned and appointed "Grand Pilot" of England after 1548, in recognition of his great services to his adopted country--brought about the despatch of Sir Hugh Willoughby and Richard Chancellor on the first voyage ever projected to discover a Northeast passage; and the same venerable seaman cheered brave Stephen Burrough...