Dark Companion: Matthew Henson, Conqueror of the Arctic Ice, Co-Discoverer of the Pole
New York: Robert H. McBride & Company, 1947.
First edition. Signed by explorer Matthew Henson, subject of this book, "Matt Henson" on the half title. Laid in is a program for the unveiling of a bust of Henson sponsored by the NAACP in New York City, Feb. 9, 1953, where he was a speaker; presumably this is where the book was signed. xviii, [2], 266 pp. Bound in publisher's black cloth with red lettering, photographic endpapers. Very Good with former owner's name written in ink on title page, his notes and underlines in light pencil throughout; slight lean, bump to upper corner. In a Good+ dust jacket with chips and small tears along edges, note in pencil on front flap, unclipped. Program creased with notes in pencil on verso. Uncommon signed. Matthew Alexander Henson (1866-1955) was the first African-American Arctic explorer, an associate of Robert Peary on seven voyages over a period of nearly 23 years. They made six voyages and spent a total of 18 years in expeditions. Henson served as a navigator and craftsman, traded with Inuit and learned their language, and was known as Peary's "first man" for these arduous travels. The first to break the color barrier at the Explorer's Club, Henson was also the only member of Peary's party to master the Inuit language and method of driving dog sleds. His only descendants are through his children with an Inuit woman, Akatingwah.
Price: $7,500.00