A research project and exploration in conjunction with the Canadian government. As a result of the expedition many thousands of square miles have been added to the territory of Canada. The expedition also observed that the cold of the Arctic deprived no one of health or comfort if he understands the conditions, realizes necessary precautions, and makes good use of common sense, and governs himself accordingly.--From introduction. The description says it all. He did it his way...survived alone in the arctic. When the book came out, it was considered mad to call the Arctic "friendly." It's a dense read but well worth the effort. As a scientist he made some incredible discoveries, and his collections of flora and fauna are still available for study.