STEFANSSON (Vilhjalmur).
Hunters of the Great North.
A presentation copy, inscribed on the title page ‘To Alfred M. Collins from his friend Vilhjalmur Stefansson (illegible, probably a place name) May 27 1926’. Later inscription in red ink on the front pastedown ‘66 For the Collins Memorial Episcopal Academy Philadelphia, Pa’, presumably honouring the presentee, a Philadelphia citizen who corresponded often with Stefansson. Stefansson was born in Canada to Icelandic parents, and made three lengthy journeys to the Canadian and Alaskan Arctic regions, where he became interested in the lives of the native peoples he encountered, on which he published many books. His behaviour on those expeditions, and his eccentric opinions on meat only diets make him a controversial figure still, subject to ridicule by some, and celebrated by others for his accounts of his experiences with native peoples.
Spine faded, the lettering faint, fore edge dented.