Product Description

In 1930 a sixteen-year-old boy left England to become one of the last of the 'gentlemen adventurers' -- the fur traders of the Hudson's Bay Company. In the Arctic he found adventure, love and loss as he came to grips with Eskimo life. Beautifully written, inspiring and funny, this is a boy's own story that captures a world that is lost forever. Every boy dreams of adventures, but few have the courage or opportunity to make them a reality. When the Great Depression began to bite straitened finances forced the Maurice family to leave Britain. Edward was faced with a stark choice: to follow his mother and elder siblings to farm in New Zealand, or pursue an uncertain future as an apprentice fur trader among the Eskimos. Preferring to make his own destiny, he signed up for five years at the princely sum of fifty pence a week, packing up the two spoons that remained of his inheritance to become one of the last ever 'gentleman adventurers'. Life in Baffin Land was harsh: there was no telephone, no radio communication, only one annual visit from the supply ship to keep in contact with the outside world. But it was also one of tremendous excitement. Under the expert tutelage of his drunken boss, Geordie, Edward learnt to build igloos, hunt polar bears and survive the myriad difficulties of Northern existence. Despite Geordie's warnings against becoming too involved with 'the natives' (and Geordie had taken one for a wife) the young boy became fascinated with the mythic Eskimo culture, learning the language and forming close friendships. After three years, he was sent to his own outpost, where, alone, he had to save the community from illness and starvation, as well as teach them English and contend with the amorous attentions of the local ladies. In charming, timeless prose THE LAST OF THE GENTLEMEN ADVENTURERS transports the reader to worlds that are now forever inaccessible. It is at once a vivid portrait of a unique society and the moving, often hilarious story of an unforgettable young man determined to triumph over every circumstance.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #554612 in Books
• Published on: 2004-04-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 320 pages

Review
Driven by the foolish optimism of youth, Edward Beauclerk Maurice makes a life-changing decision to embark on an Arctic adventure with the Hudson Bay Company. It isn't long before he has his life saved not once, but twice by an Eskimo named Kalibuk. Kalibuk later teaches him the Innuit language, allowing Maurice to understand Eskimo culture and society against the advice of his mentor. He becomes a hunter and a healer, all the while trading seal skins and dear skins to ensure the livelihood of his new friends. The Last of the Gentlemen Adventurers is a thought provoking and often harrowing voyage of a boy determined to be a man. It deals with the complexities of a seemingly simple way of life; a life directed by turbulent weather and devastated by disease. Insightful and courageous, this is an exciting tale that both inspires and moves. (Kirkus UK)

Benedict Allen, Independent on Sunday
'A beautifully unadorned, home-spun tale, with a lack of self-consciousness rare in travel literature - I was charmed.'

Daily Telegraph
"...something of a handbook in Arctic quarry, with detailed descriptions of whaling, sealing...unappetising recipes for deer meatballs and dog food."

Customer Reviews

Everyone should read this book
An incredible true story: working in the artic at the age of 16 for the Hudson Bay Company. Living and working with the natives - this is a unique story - told in such a way that I wish there were more books like this to read by the winter fireside!

It just shows how easy we have it now !
This is the true story of a young man whose family have hit hard times who has to go and make his way in the world at age 16. The place he decides to go is Baffin Island off N.E Canada where the supply ship comes once a year and there is no outward radio communication.
Working in this harsh environment the author grows to respect the culture and way of life of the Inuit people who suround him.
At times the book is funny, at times sad and at all times it takes the reader back to a long gone age. However at all times you then remember that this is only the 1930's !
A great read for those who hanker after some adventure from the comfort of their armchairs.