Read : The Terror by Dan Simmons about Sir John Franklin's ill fated voyage to clear the Northwest Passage in 1845-48. Fictional novel based upon historical fact. Listen to this great song by the late, wonderful Canadian songsmith Stan Rogers about these brave men.

For a pictorial account of another fantastic ice-bound voyage (this one ultimately successful), buy South With Endurance, Shackelton's Antarctic Expedition 1914-17, the amazing plate photographs (some in colour) of Australian Frank Hurley. Amazing.