Rowley documents an era of arctic exploration of which little has been written and which is fast passing from living memory. He captures the traditional way of life in the North before the dramatic changes of the last half century. A member of the last expedition in the Canadian North to depend on traditional techniques, Rowley recounts how they lived as the Inuit did and travelled by dogsled over unexplored land. He describes the isolation, the extraordinary vicissitudes of travel in a sometimes savage environment, and the generosity and kindness of the Inuit. Apart from completing the map of Baffin Island's coastline and finding new islands, Rowley excavated the first pure Dorset site near Igloolik, establishing the Dorset culture beyond doubt. The carvings and artifacts found there, illustrations of which are included in this book, remain among the best and most beautiful that have been recovered. Based on his own diary and the diaries of other members of the expedition, Rowley's captivating story presents the perceptions of a young man faced with a completely alien, yet fascinating, environment and culture. A true and often exciting tale of discovery, Cold Comfort will appeal to a wide audience as well as to those concerned with the Arctic in general. It is an invaluable source for those who specialize in the archaeology, anthropology, geography, and history of northern Canada.

Graham W. Rowley (1912-2003) was a research professor of northern and Native studies at Carleton University, Ottawa.Susan Rowley, Graham Rowley's daughter, is co-editor of Uqalurait: An Oral History of Nunavut, associate professor of anthropology and

Graham Rowley's profile page

"Rowley conveys an indefatigable sense of adventure and shares his excitement in the details of day-to-day life while travelling among the Inuit. His book is an engaging and informative piece of contemporary Arctic literature, worthy of standing among the best writings of his predecessors." John Moss, author of Enduring Dreams: An Exploration of Arctic Landscape.