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Lot #1217
Vilhjalmur Stefansson Typed Letter Signed

"Ten years in the arctic have shown me that most ideas based on my first year’s experience were wrong"

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Estimate: $200+
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Description

"Ten years in the arctic have shown me that most ideas based on my first year’s experience were wrong"

LS signed “V. Stefansson,” one page, 8 x 10, personal letterhead, September 15, 1923. Letter to Harold Baker, in full: “On a rather slender basis of information I have been thinking a good deal about what you said about the suitability of your transportation system for new countries. I think there may be a special field for it in the Arctic and sub-Arctic. In that connection we mentioned my book ‘The Northward Course of Empire’ which gives various facts and theories about the colonization and development of the arctic land. But, as a basis for really understanding the situation, you need a much broader foundation than that book gives. Just in case you may think the whole situation worth looking into, I am sending along my first book ‘Hunters of the Great north.’ If it interests you you might follow it up with ‘My Life with the Eskimo.’ Those two should give you a grasp of general conditions in the north that will be a tolerable substitute for a journey covering the same ground. While not so good in many respects they will be better in some points, for one who makes a hasty journey into a country always brings back a great many wrong impressions. As I have said in the preface of the ‘Hunters’ book, if I had published the diary of my first year in the north I should have done more to augment mis-information than knowledge. I thought I understood what I saw but ten years in the arctic have shown me that most ideas based on my first year’s experience were wrong.” In fine condition.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Animation
  • Dates: #649 - Ended December 07, 2022





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