The First Book of Eskimos

A vivid portrait of the people who have thrived along the Arctic coastline for centuries, this work brings the daily life of the Eskimo peoples to listeners with warmth and detail. Drawing on the observations of early explorers, anthropologists and natural‑history researchers, it weaves together stories of hunting, sled‑dog training, seasonal migrations and the clever uses of bone, ivory and even meteorite iron for tools. The narrative also celebrates the distinctive humor of these “laughing people,” noting how their joy stands out against the stark, icy backdrop of their world.

The book explains how the Eskimos adapted to both the endless summer daylight and the dark, long winters, describing the contrast between igloos, skin tents and the occasional copper workshop. It shows how contact with outsiders introduced guns and stoves, yet many traditional customs endure, and how the complex Eskimo language, once unwritten, now thrives in books and newspapers. Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation for a culture that thrives where few others can.