Flaherty was best known for his films "Nanook of the North, "Moana," "White Shadows in the South Seas" and his collaborative effort with F. W. Murnau, "Taboo." Before his film career he made pioneering explorations of the remote artic where he sets this novel. "Here are brave men, whites and natives, seen in scores of breath-taking situations - and behind them all looms the shadowy Conradian figure of Grant - who alone could occupy the 'Captains' Chair.' It is for all who respond to the call of adventure, the sea, the mighty North, and to superb writing."