Gold Hunting in Alaska

"Gold Hunting in Alaska" by Joseph Grinnell is a narrative nonfiction work written in the late 19th century. The book recounts the true experiences of a group of gold-hunters who embark on a journey to Alaska during the gold rush of the late 1800s. The narrative provides insight into the lives of the men in the expedition, their hopes for gold, and the challenges they face in the harsh Arctic wilderness. The opening of the book introduces us to a party of twenty men, all driven by the allure of gold as they set sail for Kotzebue Sound in Alaska. Among the crew are colorful characters, including an undertaker-turned-miner and a doctor, who add depth to the group dynamic. The captain's humorous disposition contrasts with the serious nature of their quest, as they journey on the ship "Penelope," facing storms and sea sickness while sharing meals and camaraderie. The diary-like entries reveal both the hardships and the lighter moments of their travels, setting the stage for their adventures in search of fortune in an unforgiving territory. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Joseph P. Grinnell was an American field biologist and zoologist. He made extensive studies of the fauna of California, and is credited with introducing a method of recording precise field observations known as the Grinnell System. He served as the first director of the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at the University of California, Berkeley from the museum's inception in 1908 until his death.