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First Man: Reimagining Matthew Henson
In this graphic novel, Simon Schwartz weaves biography and fiction together to explore the life of Arctic adventurer Matthew Henson. Moving between different time periods and incorporating Inuit mythology, Schwartz offers a fresh perspective on the many challenges Henson confronted during his life.
As a Member of early missions to the North Pole, Henson braved subzero temperatures and shifting sea ice. As an African American at the turn of the twentieth century, he also faced harassment and prejudice. Henson won a place on Arctic expeditions through skill and determination-though he didn't receive the same credit as his teammates. He also won the respect of the native peoples he met during his journeys-though he couldn't prevent the harm the expeditions caused them.
More than a biography, First Man: Reimagining Matthew Henson is an artistic homage to Henson's accomplishments and the complicated realities of being a trailblazer in a society that didn't recognize black men as equals.
As a Member of early missions to the North Pole, Henson braved subzero temperatures and shifting sea ice. As an African American at the turn of the twentieth century, he also faced harassment and prejudice. Henson won a place on Arctic expeditions through skill and determination-though he didn't receive the same credit as his teammates. He also won the respect of the native peoples he met during his journeys-though he couldn't prevent the harm the expeditions caused them.
More than a biography, First Man: Reimagining Matthew Henson is an artistic homage to Henson's accomplishments and the complicated realities of being a trailblazer in a society that didn't recognize black men as equals.
164 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2012
About the author
Simon Schwartz
13 books5 followersSimon Schwartz was born in Erfurt in 1982 and grew up in the Kruezburg neighborhood of Berlin. In 2004, he relocated to Hamburg to study illustration at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences. Five years later, he had completed his debut graphic novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 28, 2020
First Man is largely about a black man named Matthew Henson. He was a part of history before black men were allowed to be.
He journeyed with a white party to the North Pole and was actually the first American to step foot there without receiving any credit until many years later. Simply because he was black and the leader of the expedition was just the worst.
It's a deeply upsetting story that needs to be told in history classes all across the world. However, I'm not sure this graphic novel is the way to tell it.
The author states up front that he has taken a "based on a true story" strategy to the book. He states blatantly that he's bent the truth in order to form a better narrative. I do appreciate that honesty but what that's done is muddle the whole thing.
He weaves the narrative through Inuit mythology that lines up with the prophecy of this man coming to discover the North Pole. It's an interesting framing device but further muddles the reality of the tale.
I was interested in the story the whole way through the book and it was succinct, entertaining, and at times disturbing. And then I got to the afterward that contained the actual time line and I found myself extremely frustrated.
The main thing that stood out to me was that in the story version Henson receives recognition for his accomplishments after his wife has passed and he goes to her grave to tell her, a touching moment for sure.
In reality she outlived him by 12 years.
Taking this kind of liberty to emotionally manipulate the reader feels like an abuse of power.
School children everywhere should absolutely learn the story of the brave hero who battled the elements and a society who didn't trust him to reach the harshest peak of the Northern Hemisphere. But they should learn about it truthfully.
Since prior generations were convinced that a false story was true, the way to rectify that is not to put forth another false story. History is rewritten enough as it is!
This is one of those books that I like less and less the more I think about it. Upon initial reading I was grateful to have learned about Henson of whom I otherwise was ignorant. But now I'm just kind of mad that the more I look into it the more falsities this book contained.
I would love to see a version of Henson's story told by an African American, with respect and dignity. Not this one put out by just another white guy rewriting history to suit his needs.
for more reviews and content please visit my blog amanjareads.com
He journeyed with a white party to the North Pole and was actually the first American to step foot there without receiving any credit until many years later. Simply because he was black and the leader of the expedition was just the worst.
It's a deeply upsetting story that needs to be told in history classes all across the world. However, I'm not sure this graphic novel is the way to tell it.
The author states up front that he has taken a "based on a true story" strategy to the book. He states blatantly that he's bent the truth in order to form a better narrative. I do appreciate that honesty but what that's done is muddle the whole thing.
He weaves the narrative through Inuit mythology that lines up with the prophecy of this man coming to discover the North Pole. It's an interesting framing device but further muddles the reality of the tale.
I was interested in the story the whole way through the book and it was succinct, entertaining, and at times disturbing. And then I got to the afterward that contained the actual time line and I found myself extremely frustrated.
The main thing that stood out to me was that in the story version Henson receives recognition for his accomplishments after his wife has passed and he goes to her grave to tell her, a touching moment for sure.
In reality she outlived him by 12 years.
Taking this kind of liberty to emotionally manipulate the reader feels like an abuse of power.
School children everywhere should absolutely learn the story of the brave hero who battled the elements and a society who didn't trust him to reach the harshest peak of the Northern Hemisphere. But they should learn about it truthfully.
Since prior generations were convinced that a false story was true, the way to rectify that is not to put forth another false story. History is rewritten enough as it is!
This is one of those books that I like less and less the more I think about it. Upon initial reading I was grateful to have learned about Henson of whom I otherwise was ignorant. But now I'm just kind of mad that the more I look into it the more falsities this book contained.
I would love to see a version of Henson's story told by an African American, with respect and dignity. Not this one put out by just another white guy rewriting history to suit his needs.
for more reviews and content please visit my blog amanjareads.com
November 24, 2015
If you go to the last couple pages of this book you will arrive at the afterward. And though this book is a heart-breaker, there is a note of victory upon witnessing its final contents. First, the map: "The site of Matthew Henson and Robert Peary's journeys toward the North Pole." (Matthew's name listed first). Then, the chronology: "First Man: Reimagining Matthew Henson is a literary retelling of Matthew Henson's life. Not all aspects of the graphic account are historically accurate. The list below presents milestones from the life of Matthew Henson in chronological order."
And the chronology is interesting to read. It offers a very different picture than the graphic novel, which is good, because I think they both have a lot of truth, both emotional and historical accuracy (which don't always go hand in hand.)
It is such a relief to see a little poetic justice in this beautiful, poetic book. The art is just right, compassionate and humanizing while still cartoonishly accessible. Panels shifting in size and texture to accommodate the different landscapes, textures and moods. The colors (I don't know what this kind of color scheme is called, not black and white, but not in full color either), and the use of caricature, and folksy-mythological art, give this book a graphic language that deepens the complexity in subtle ways.
From this book, we learn that during most of Henson's life, his talents were appreciated only in so much as others were, and particularly, Peary, was able to exploit them. But even that is not entirely true. Henson was, it seems, beloved by the Innuit people he traveled with. There was a mutually appreciative and respectful relationship there. And in this book Henson and his Innuit friends are celebrated while Peary and Cook show up to this literary party as pathologically selfish fools.
My main complaint is that the beginning is a bit choppy. And when I read the timeline in the back I find myself wishing that some of the stuff in the timeline was made more clear in the story.
And the chronology is interesting to read. It offers a very different picture than the graphic novel, which is good, because I think they both have a lot of truth, both emotional and historical accuracy (which don't always go hand in hand.)
It is such a relief to see a little poetic justice in this beautiful, poetic book. The art is just right, compassionate and humanizing while still cartoonishly accessible. Panels shifting in size and texture to accommodate the different landscapes, textures and moods. The colors (I don't know what this kind of color scheme is called, not black and white, but not in full color either), and the use of caricature, and folksy-mythological art, give this book a graphic language that deepens the complexity in subtle ways.
From this book, we learn that during most of Henson's life, his talents were appreciated only in so much as others were, and particularly, Peary, was able to exploit them. But even that is not entirely true. Henson was, it seems, beloved by the Innuit people he traveled with. There was a mutually appreciative and respectful relationship there. And in this book Henson and his Innuit friends are celebrated while Peary and Cook show up to this literary party as pathologically selfish fools.
My main complaint is that the beginning is a bit choppy. And when I read the timeline in the back I find myself wishing that some of the stuff in the timeline was made more clear in the story.
April 5, 2016
Matthew Henson was one of the first men to reach the North Pole. He was a member of nearly all of Robert Peary's expeditions and, because he was a black man, received little recognition for his work until late in his life. In the introduction of this book the author states that when he wrote this book he made "no attempt at nonfiction." It's clear when comparing the novel just to the supplemental materials included in the back that he was uninterested in the facts of Henson's life, and overall the impression of Henson the novel gives is a pathetic rather than heroic figure. The novel is framed in two ways. First, Henson is set up as a mythological character in Inuit tradition called Mahri Pahluk (Henson's name among the Inuit), with a storytelling voice setting up the myth. The other framing devices sees Henson as a widower in New York, working as a janitor at the Museum of Natural History and the ways in which his life in New York, panel by panel, mirror his life as an adventurer. These framing devices might be okay, if either of them were true.
Schwartz says in the introduction that he became fascinated with telling this story when he learned that Henson "has become part of Inuit mythology as the mystical figure Mahri Pahluk," but he never, here or in the selected bibliography, says where he learned that, or any, of the Inuit mythology presented in the book. And it's clear from the imagery and actions of the Inuit characters in the novel that he means Henson not just to be a folk hero like, say, Johnny Appleseed, but a prophesied figure who is recognized as such immediately upon his arrival (and who, later, magically survives falling the in the ice and magically knows just when they reach the North Pole).
Real life Matthew Henson never worked as a janitor at the Natural History Museum. After his final northern expedition, he got a job as a customs clerk and lived with his second wife, Lucy, until his death (she died over 12 years later).
I found myself frustrated with the way the author bent and used the Inuit mythology, downplays the role of the Inuit men who were also co-discoverers of the North Pole, and how he layered on injustices done to Henson and made him out as a passive figure in his own life. There is so much that is true and fascinating about Henson and his life and a real legacy he left in the Arctic, a little son whose many descendants live in Greenland to this day. It is a disservice to tell this kind of a story, washed over in magical stereotypes of both black and Native peoples.
Schwartz says in the introduction that he became fascinated with telling this story when he learned that Henson "has become part of Inuit mythology as the mystical figure Mahri Pahluk," but he never, here or in the selected bibliography, says where he learned that, or any, of the Inuit mythology presented in the book. And it's clear from the imagery and actions of the Inuit characters in the novel that he means Henson not just to be a folk hero like, say, Johnny Appleseed, but a prophesied figure who is recognized as such immediately upon his arrival (and who, later, magically survives falling the in the ice and magically knows just when they reach the North Pole).
Real life Matthew Henson never worked as a janitor at the Natural History Museum. After his final northern expedition, he got a job as a customs clerk and lived with his second wife, Lucy, until his death (she died over 12 years later).
I found myself frustrated with the way the author bent and used the Inuit mythology, downplays the role of the Inuit men who were also co-discoverers of the North Pole, and how he layered on injustices done to Henson and made him out as a passive figure in his own life. There is so much that is true and fascinating about Henson and his life and a real legacy he left in the Arctic, a little son whose many descendants live in Greenland to this day. It is a disservice to tell this kind of a story, washed over in magical stereotypes of both black and Native peoples.
June 30, 2015
If I had an endless supply of money, I would buy a copy of this book for every school library in the United States. The book succeeds on countless levels and leaves the reader with the desire to dig through it numerous times to revisit the nuances of the numerous story telling paths. It works as a personal introspection of an aging man who is haunted by his more agile days. It works as a tale of the courageous and humble path of a hard-working African American who was not respected as he should’ve been. It works as a mystical Inuit fairy tale. It works as an introduction to a rarely told exploration story.
At it’s base “First Man” reimagines what the experience would’ve been like for Matthew Henson as he assisted the arrogant and selfish Robert Peary explore the arctic landscape until they reached they’re ultimate goal of discovering the North Pole. The story drifts into Henson’s reverie of the love his life, and hints at the mystical beliefs of the true first men of the North Pole, the Inuits.
The illustrations have as much vfirst manariety and complexity as the story line. At first view they have a simple cartoonish quality. The villians have pointed chins and the hero is soft and round. All of the coloring is in shades of gray and blue which give the reader the chilling feel of the arctic. The sections that delve into the Inuit fantasy have more lines, patterns and a petroglyph type style. The texturing and detail in the illustrations of the city buildings, museum and ship frames have the same underlying layers and complexity as the story- they are there if you choose to see them.
Because this is a reimagining, the text can’t be used directly for lessons on the event. The author states in his intro,
"I am not a historian but a graphic novelist, which is why I mad no attempt at nonfiction. I played with the story. I gave myself freedom with the narrative, although readers can find a timeline at the back of the book that doesn’t take the same liberties.”
It can however be a powerful tool for kids who don’t relate to text only books and for kids who think on deeper levels and would enjoy the challenge of sifting through the multiple layers of this complex an beautiful story. Although this is an appropriate book for teens my hope is that adults will also discover the beauty, depth and passion of this rich graphic novel delight.
This title was originally published in German in 2012 as Packeis.
At it’s base “First Man” reimagines what the experience would’ve been like for Matthew Henson as he assisted the arrogant and selfish Robert Peary explore the arctic landscape until they reached they’re ultimate goal of discovering the North Pole. The story drifts into Henson’s reverie of the love his life, and hints at the mystical beliefs of the true first men of the North Pole, the Inuits.
The illustrations have as much vfirst manariety and complexity as the story line. At first view they have a simple cartoonish quality. The villians have pointed chins and the hero is soft and round. All of the coloring is in shades of gray and blue which give the reader the chilling feel of the arctic. The sections that delve into the Inuit fantasy have more lines, patterns and a petroglyph type style. The texturing and detail in the illustrations of the city buildings, museum and ship frames have the same underlying layers and complexity as the story- they are there if you choose to see them.
Because this is a reimagining, the text can’t be used directly for lessons on the event. The author states in his intro,
"I am not a historian but a graphic novelist, which is why I mad no attempt at nonfiction. I played with the story. I gave myself freedom with the narrative, although readers can find a timeline at the back of the book that doesn’t take the same liberties.”
It can however be a powerful tool for kids who don’t relate to text only books and for kids who think on deeper levels and would enjoy the challenge of sifting through the multiple layers of this complex an beautiful story. Although this is an appropriate book for teens my hope is that adults will also discover the beauty, depth and passion of this rich graphic novel delight.
This title was originally published in German in 2012 as Packeis.
March 7, 2016
I liked a great deal about this book, including the art and the incorporation of Inuit myths. However, I found it hard to tell what was actually biographical and what was fiction and that bothered me. I don’t think the life of Matthew Henson is that well known, so trying to figure out what he really experienced and what the author made up was challenging. There is a helpful chronology at the end that includes pictures, but that is not enough to make me recommend this.
February 23, 2020
I had never heard of Matthew Henson before and this graphic account gives us a decent insight into his role in getting to the North Pole. The art work is good enough and the story is readable though it is frustrating trying to discern fact from fiction, and it finishes off with an uneven chronology of events.
This was a deeply frustrating read in many ways and the many injustices are maddening to read about. Henson is portrayed as a weak, gullible sucker who is exploited time and time again and yet keeps going back for more. It’s horrible to read about and Robert Peary comes across as an awful, awful man who should have been punished in a meaningful way instead of being glorified.
November 4, 2020
A fictionalized account of a very interesting character who deserves to have his story better known!
March 20, 2022
The art and Inuit myth about Mathew Henson was interesting. But, complex feelings about the how Matthew Henson's life was white-washed and how the author relied on the "white-savior complex" and this Black historical figure's reliance on white people to "do right by him."
February 4, 2016
Excellent illustrations in shades of black, gray, blue, and white fully complement the text story of Matthew Henson, the first (black) man to reach the north pole. If you were to research who was the first man to reach the north pole, you would find that there are two white men who both claim that distinction: Robert Peary and Frederick Cook. Matthew Henson accompanied Peary on that trip. It can be argued that perhaps Henson was indeed the first man, white or black, to reach the north pole.
Author Schwartz does state that this is a literary retelling and not everything is historically accurate. He also includes an accurate timeline, map, primary source photos, and a selected bibliography at the back of the book.
Author Schwartz does state that this is a literary retelling and not everything is historically accurate. He also includes an accurate timeline, map, primary source photos, and a selected bibliography at the back of the book.
February 2, 2017
Ein Zufallsfund in der Bücherei machte mich mit Matt Henson bekannt, dem ersten Mensch am Nordpol. Warum er heute so gut wie vergessen ist? Er war ein Schwarzer.
Über Robert Peary, der die Nordpolentdeckung für sich beanspruchte, hatten wir im Museum schon einige interessante Gespräche, da er sechs Inuit nach Amerika verschleppte, von denen einer als Skelett in diversen Ausstellungen sein trauriges Ende gefunden hat.
Die Suche nach einer Biografie von Henson ist schwierig, aber ohne Zweifel ist er ein höchst interessanter Charakter.
Der Comic selbst ist sehr nett gestalten und gezeichnet, und wenn man bedenkt, dass sich der Zeichner auch um die Texte gekümmert hat, dann kann man sich einen genüsslichen Nachmittag in der warmen Badewanne machen,und dieses kleine aber feine Werk lesen.
Über Robert Peary, der die Nordpolentdeckung für sich beanspruchte, hatten wir im Museum schon einige interessante Gespräche, da er sechs Inuit nach Amerika verschleppte, von denen einer als Skelett in diversen Ausstellungen sein trauriges Ende gefunden hat.
Die Suche nach einer Biografie von Henson ist schwierig, aber ohne Zweifel ist er ein höchst interessanter Charakter.
Der Comic selbst ist sehr nett gestalten und gezeichnet, und wenn man bedenkt, dass sich der Zeichner auch um die Texte gekümmert hat, dann kann man sich einen genüsslichen Nachmittag in der warmen Badewanne machen,und dieses kleine aber feine Werk lesen.
July 18, 2017
I think I am in love with Simon Schwartz... That was such a beautiful book about this man that for being black is not really in the history books as the true founder of the south pole!
the illustrations are beautiful, the black and white with blue works amazingly.
I love that there are pictures of the people involved in this graphic novel at the end of the book with a history line.
this was a work of art!
the illustrations are beautiful, the black and white with blue works amazingly.
I love that there are pictures of the people involved in this graphic novel at the end of the book with a history line.
this was a work of art!
March 12, 2016
This is a really good depiction of Henson's life - Peary is kind of the bad guy here. Amazing how Henson was not recognized for his accomplishments in his day! I liked the layer of Inuit mythology too. Well done.
July 7, 2016
Really, really liked this. Not sure why Schwartz chose to fictionalize Henson's story and not tell it as straight non-fiction...
March 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this version of Matthew Henson’s story, but I do think I would not suggest it as a starting place if you’ve never heard of him before. I really enjoyed the way the Inuit folklore wove through the story and at times almost brought it into magical realism.
I had no complaints that this story was not 100% historically accurate, mostly because it explicitly stated such in the beginning. Not everyone says that upfront, so I appreciated that. I do think that since I knew his story already though, I could hold that in my head rather than guess what’s real or not (I mean, not an expert or anything, but if I was asked to storytell it to my son, I could do it).
I learned new things about Henson’s story. Mostly about how terrible colonialism is and how much jerks powerful white men can be. Seriously I can’t believe the terrible things Peary did to the Inuit people. There is definitely a look a how horribly the Inuit were treated especially, but also Black people, and even (a little) white women. I had a lot of questions about reparations toward the Inuit and what happened to (insert a million things) that I had been hoping would be addressed in the afterward. I guess I will have to look them up. It would have been interesting to see the perspective had this been written by an Inuit writer, especially given that the basis of the book is Inuit folklore/inheritance. Did they want to share this with this author for this purpose; if not, does that continue the cycle of theft discussed in the book?
I had no complaints that this story was not 100% historically accurate, mostly because it explicitly stated such in the beginning. Not everyone says that upfront, so I appreciated that. I do think that since I knew his story already though, I could hold that in my head rather than guess what’s real or not (I mean, not an expert or anything, but if I was asked to storytell it to my son, I could do it).
I learned new things about Henson’s story. Mostly about how terrible colonialism is and how much jerks powerful white men can be. Seriously I can’t believe the terrible things Peary did to the Inuit people. There is definitely a look a how horribly the Inuit were treated especially, but also Black people, and even (a little) white women. I had a lot of questions about reparations toward the Inuit and what happened to (insert a million things) that I had been hoping would be addressed in the afterward. I guess I will have to look them up. It would have been interesting to see the perspective had this been written by an Inuit writer, especially given that the basis of the book is Inuit folklore/inheritance. Did they want to share this with this author for this purpose; if not, does that continue the cycle of theft discussed in the book?
June 13, 2018
Since the author said up front that he was making "no attempt at non-fiction", I'm going to be nice and rate this according to my expectations of "based on a true story" movies. Schwartz makes significant diversions from the truth to make Henson more sympathetic or at least more pitiable. This is especially true of Schwartz's portrayal of Henson in his senior years, a widower working as a janitor at a museum in New York. In 1945 when the scene was set, Henson had already retired from being a customs clerk, a decent government job arranged for him by President Taft, and his wife was very much alive.
Still, the story Schwartz tells is, as Edward Kosner said about Roots, "valid in its essential narrative." Matt Henson made seven voyages to the deep Arctic and was essential to Robert Peary's successful expedition to the North Pole in 1909, but his contributions remained unacknowledged for decades after. Insofar as First Man helps to make Henson's story better known, I think it has value.
I also liked the style in which Schwartz tells the story. He incorporates Inuit-like images and storytelling to present Henson as a figure immortalized in legend, someone who, even if he wasn't recognized by his own people, was appreciated and remembered by the natives.
Still, the story Schwartz tells is, as Edward Kosner said about Roots, "valid in its essential narrative." Matt Henson made seven voyages to the deep Arctic and was essential to Robert Peary's successful expedition to the North Pole in 1909, but his contributions remained unacknowledged for decades after. Insofar as First Man helps to make Henson's story better known, I think it has value.
I also liked the style in which Schwartz tells the story. He incorporates Inuit-like images and storytelling to present Henson as a figure immortalized in legend, someone who, even if he wasn't recognized by his own people, was appreciated and remembered by the natives.
September 4, 2018
This graphic novel bridges the gap between fiction and non-fiction. Matthew Henson was, of course, a real historical figure. His many adventures as Robert Peary's long-suffering assistant have assured his place in history. His role, however, was probably much larger and more significant than we've been led to believe. As a black man at a time when black men were expected to be nothing more than laborers and domestics, Henson suffered from discrimination in his work. He was often excluded and overlooked, and most of the time he took it with a stiff upper lip.
This work, however, reimagines and dramatizes Henson's life through the lens of arctic legends of the devil Tahnusak. The true story of Henson is interwoven with folklore, and also bounces around in time, following Henson both as the young adventurer and as a widowed retiree. The art is simple, expressive and pleasantly monochromatic. Though this book wouldn't be appropriate for my library (The N-word, however accurate it's usage, still doesn't go over well in elementary school), I think it would be an excellent choice in a middle or high school library or in classroom collections. Sure to spark interest in the real story of Matthew Henson and other Arctic and Antarctic explorers.
This work, however, reimagines and dramatizes Henson's life through the lens of arctic legends of the devil Tahnusak. The true story of Henson is interwoven with folklore, and also bounces around in time, following Henson both as the young adventurer and as a widowed retiree. The art is simple, expressive and pleasantly monochromatic. Though this book wouldn't be appropriate for my library (The N-word, however accurate it's usage, still doesn't go over well in elementary school), I think it would be an excellent choice in a middle or high school library or in classroom collections. Sure to spark interest in the real story of Matthew Henson and other Arctic and Antarctic explorers.
July 6, 2022
Matthew A. Henson is one of my favorite historical human explorer being recorded. His biography is one of best inspirations about adventurous motivations. There are key elements in this bio graphic novel in which I was bit perplexed, curious, and wonder if there are sources for: (if anyone can provide)
1. His exploration leading to discovery of the meteorites in the Arctic Circle
2. Forced kidnapping of Native Inuits for analysis from his voyage
3. Working at the museum that held the footnotes of his journey to the North Pole
Interesting Fact: (Possibly just an urban legend-sources needed) The Inuits were with Henson and his exploration party. The natives warned the American explorers not travel too far due to their religious belief of a devil called Tahnusuk haunting there. Henson humored everyone saying that their explorers works for a devil that’s much more powerful than Tahnusuk; the US Navy.
1. His exploration leading to discovery of the meteorites in the Arctic Circle
2. Forced kidnapping of Native Inuits for analysis from his voyage
3. Working at the museum that held the footnotes of his journey to the North Pole
Interesting Fact: (Possibly just an urban legend-sources needed) The Inuits were with Henson and his exploration party. The natives warned the American explorers not travel too far due to their religious belief of a devil called Tahnusuk haunting there. Henson humored everyone saying that their explorers works for a devil that’s much more powerful than Tahnusuk; the US Navy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2017
Simon Schwartz gives a measured reading of the first black man to explore the Arctic and, probably, the first man to reach the North Pole. The man, Matthew Henson, is a reticent figure. He encountered incredible hardships from nature during his explorations with Cmdr. Peary. He saved Peary's life on one expedition and was not repaid in kind. The relationship between the two men is incredibly one sided and shows the inhumanity of Cmdr. Peary towards his companions. The native people thought that Matthew Henson was a spiritual being in human form. What Simon Schwartz does is to convey to the reader that it was tragic for them to do so.
The graphics and story fit very well together. The author includes a short afterward, timeline and bibliography. Highly recommended.
The graphics and story fit very well together. The author includes a short afterward, timeline and bibliography. Highly recommended.
May 1, 2020
While there is significant re-imagination that takes place (most puzzling to me is that Matt visits Lucy's grave--in actuality he predeceased her by more than a decade), Simon Schwartz interrogates our past and present with racism, exploration, and exploitation. The human trafficking, death, and "interment" of Qisuk is particularly chilling. While the book reveals Robert Peary's Inuit "mistress," it does not disclose that Matthew Henson also took a "wife" and fathered a child.
Articles of Interest
http://www.loe.org/shows/segments.htm...
http://www.ric.edu/faculty/rpotter/po...
Articles of Interest
http://www.loe.org/shows/segments.htm...
http://www.ric.edu/faculty/rpotter/po...
October 7, 2023
Was für ein schönes Buch. Nicht nur von der Geschichte her, sondern auch super ästhetische Zeichnungen in schwarz und blau. Ende des 18. Jahrhunderts ist der schwarze Hanson ein armer Tropf, der Dank verschiedener Zufälle der erste Mensch am Nordpol ist. Doch alle Augen sind nur auf seinen weißen Expeditionsleiter gerichtet. Simon Schwartz beschreibt hier wunderbar das Leben eines Mannes, über den wir mehr erfahren sollten. Klar, einige Dinge sind reine Fiktion, doch die Quellenangaben am Ende des Buches sind gut aufgearbeitet und helfen beim Verstehen von Geschichte.
June 19, 2024
This novel was incredibly depressing. Definitely learned some interesting history about US expeditions to the North Pole (the first US citizen there was, quite likely, Matthew Henson, an African American man). The really interesting thing was that Matthew Henson was incorporated into Inuit mythology which is why I wish they had gone more into that aspect. However, Henson gained very little recognition and faced immense racism and the people he was with on the expeditions did horrible things (like giving Inuit people to the NMNH).
February 4, 2019
This is an important book.
It's fictionalized, but it shows how history has been whitewashed and how many people, who should have received honor, were swept into the shadows.
There is a timeline following the graphic novel. It gives an idea of the true events and of who truly should have been given the honor of making it to the North Pole.
I'm trying not to spoil it, so just read it.
It's fictionalized, but it shows how history has been whitewashed and how many people, who should have received honor, were swept into the shadows.
There is a timeline following the graphic novel. It gives an idea of the true events and of who truly should have been given the honor of making it to the North Pole.
I'm trying not to spoil it, so just read it.
May 18, 2017
The author used alternative facts to tell the story, while this makes it readable, most people will not read the front or back matter to get the correct story. I can't believe this is classified as nonfiction.
January 8, 2018
Good book. Many things accurate, but I like my biographies to be accurate, and there are many flaws with the storyline in the book and the accurate timeline. Still gripping and entertaining read though.
August 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this, but because it is a fictionalized graphic biography, I appreciated the historical timeline at the end. It gave context to the abbreviated and made up parts of the story. The art is great and it was a swift and engaging read!
June 20, 2019
An enjoyable read. Brilliant chronological transitions with an enchanting folklore of igloos to bring out the truth of several of such expeditions.
January 28, 2021
(more 3.5 stars)
Want to read
April 16, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
August 31, 2022
I thought that this was going to be a biography, but it was a fictional retelling, based on true events.
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