I dont often read non fiction, so when I do I make sure to go for subjects I know I would like. This was an interesting (although a bit dry) story but I found myself skimming too often. No fault of the author, but for me, it wasn't my cup of tea

A very interesting read that traces the steps , to a large degree, of the 1899 Harriman expedition of Alaska. It does get a little confusing a times when they author/traveler of this retracing, veers off into other trips that were taken by those 1899 members, most notably John Muir.

This is the tale of Mark Adams retracing the 1899 Harriman expedition. As he makes this journey it is a history of John Muir and his thoughts about global warming. Mark traveled 3000 miles and explored extensively around Glacier Bay. This was an historic look at the wilds of Alaska. I'm not a big reader of non-fiction and biographies but this was an interesting tale. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Railroad tycoon Edward Harriman always wealthy enough to do what he wanted. He wanted to shoot a bear and organized an expensive scientific expedition to Alaska in 1899 to get it done. Mark Adams has written an account of that trip, “Tip of the Iceberg,” and sprinkled in some of his own experiences because he wasn’t invited along on the original trip.

This is a travel book of intermixed historic and personal stories that are brilliantly written. Adams’ trip makes every “important stop that the Harriman voyage did.” He juxtaposes the same beauty and intrigue witnessed by the original scientists with an up-to-date examination of Alaska’s features that results in a fascinating account of what was then, what has changed, and what has remained the same.

The glaciers, of course, have changed. Adams takes a common sense look at climate change but, instead of adopting a sky is falling attitude, he uses the words of experts, observes the actual sites as they are now, compares with the glaciers seen in 1899, and lets the reader in on some interesting stuff to ponder. For instance, there are glaciers that are actually growing. Not many, but that fact gives a stutter step to the idea that all the ice in Alaska will soon descend on New York City, placing the Big Apple under 200 feet of water. New thinking is encouraged.

And, too, bears behave differently than one might think. They are not out looking for human lunch. In fact, they’d rather be left alone in their foraging for nature’s food. But some silly humans are determined to get close enough to introduce them to what we eat, creating an enticing presentation of the human that, when thrust at a bear, becomes something good to eat. As Adams points out, grizzly bear scat, under examination, contains a lot of things that humans assume will deter a bear; bells, bear spray, expensive racing shoes, Eddie Bauer buttons, and bark from trees that a human didn’t climb fast enough.

Eskimos (don’t call them that) are not a particularly happy people right now. They have spent thousands of years getting along just fine in sub-zero weather with excessive blubber and few greens in their diet. But along comes civilization that wants to replace their traditions, dress them more stylishly, change their religious values, make them eat healthier, and move them to places they don’t want to go. It makes for lively dialogue if you can get a native to even talk to you about it.

Adams has a marvelous way of getting readers involved in his tale. He entertains them with interesting facts, unique and kinky characters, and prose that sparkles. If you haven’t already visited Alaska, or want to return there for another visit, this book will be the carrot that attracts you. I’ve been there and, after reading “Iceberg,” have started packing my woolies and raingear. I’m going back because I miss it a lot.

A Voyage on the Alaskan Marine Highway Systemn

Mark Adams, a travel writer, was looking for a new adventure. One of the key moments in deciding where to go was seeing a totem pole at a busy intersection in Seattle, Washington. This pole was brought to the city after the Alaskan voyage of Edward H. Harriman and his crew of natural scientists in 1899.

Adams was taken by the description of the Harriman voyage. Harriman, a railroad tycoon, with the help of Merriam, editor of Forest and Stream, gathered a stellar group of naturalists to explore the outer reaches of the Alaskan wilderness from a steamship. The voyage was one of the major expeditions to Alaska and produced a multi-volume work on the terrain, animals, and vegetation.

Adams voyage followed the Harriman route, but used the public ferry system, the Alaska Marine Highway System. Like the Harriman expedition, he encountered incredible scenery, unusual characters and wildlife, including bears.

If you’re an armchair traveler, this is an excellent book. Not only does it follow the Harriman expedition, but Adams adds commentary from his adventure and includes information on economic conditions, as well as the history of the areas he visits. I particularly enjoyed his description of glaciers and the fact that they were receding in the 1800’s well before our current climate crisis.

I received this book from Dutton for this review.

Adams has a gift for this sort of writing, and while Tip of the Iceberg is not nearly as hilarious as Turn Right at Machu Picchu, it is still a very enjoyable read. As with the Peruvian pilgrimage I have some familiarity with the subject of this travelogue. Adams captures the hugeness, the isolation, the uniqueness and, yes, the weirdness of Alaska. Of course, there is the beauty, too -- of Denali and the incredible mountain vistas -- as well as the drab, dated, domestic settlements along the Inside Passage. Adams alternates chapters detailing his own journey with others giving historical context. The result is readable, informative and mostly amusing.

I really enjoyed this book, which is unsurprising since it includes everything I like reading about: travel, history, and the author retracing the steps of an expedition. Adams shines in the retelling of the Harriman Expedition and the sharing of his own travels throughout Alaska.

Makes you want to head for Alaska! The author retraces an Alaskan voyage from 1899. Interesting characters, humorous stories, and some insights into what the future may hold. A fun read.

"Tip of the Iceberg" is a book that readers settle into. The action of this book matures with subtle grace similar to the style of Jack London. There is no necessity for no cinematic or contemporary action that incessantly assaults the senses. Through "Tip of the Iceberg" readers are able to enjoy the full journey Mark Adams undergoes to follow Edward H. Harriman's 1988 Alaskan expedition. Thoroughly enjoyed the full descriptions Adams provided of his journey and all the historical background provided to readers.

I thought I would find this book interesting but alas, I do not. The first chapter was minimally engaging but unfortunately I grew tired of this one pretty quickly.. this was a DNF for me but I can definitely see where it would have a very select audience.

This travel memoir/history book will likely be a hit with Alaska enthusiasts, but an occasional armchair traveler, I found the book to be slow and it didn’t hold my attention.

Alaska. Just the name evokes images of glaciers, grizzly bears and solitude. Ask almost any American man where they would live, given the choice, and they will answer’ Alaska”. I have to admit that as a woman who already lives in a cold and quiet place (no grizzlies in Maine though), I have always been perplexed. Sure, it’s beautiful, but it’s also cold and dark for a good portion of the year. the I read Tip of the Iceberg and I began to understand the allure. Adams follows a route set out in 1899 by Edward Harriman when the railroad baron turned a boat into a a sort of artist’s colony for writers and scientists. His adventures along the way, the people her meets, the incredible wildlife he encounters, made me understand the desire people have to see Alaska. But those mosquitoes…………