Overview

It is 1925. The goldrush town of Nome sits two degrees below the Arctic Circle, and there are few more forbidding places on earth. When signs of diptheria broke out, Dr. Curtis Welch knew it was the biggest crisis of his life. Supplies of the serum were dangerously low and it was winter. There would be an epidemic if the medicine didn't arrive in time. Welch's urgent plea for help made national headlines and all of America watched with bated breath to see if an expedition could reach Nome in time. The dangers were immense for Nome was utterly isolated. The only option was to get the serum to the nearest point by rail and then use a relay of dog sleds to trek through the remaining 700 miles, night and day, and in blizzards raging at - 60 degrees. It was to be a desperate race against time - one that captured the imagination of America and turned the drivers and their heroic dogs into celebrities of the time. THE CRUELLEST MILES is the heart-pounding account of the famous Serum Run. Unbearably thrilling and tense, this is a classic story of human (and canine) endurance and heroism.

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9780747568582

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Reviews

'Compelling and inspiring' USA Today 'Men and dogs crossing immense distances in the Arctic winter to save dying children - there could hardly be a more inspiring topic.This is a moving story, superbly researched and deftly told.' Sebastian Junger, autor of THE PERFECT STORM 'Gay and Laney Salisbury have honoured that real and unequivocal act of group determination with a rigorous and vigorous piece of writing' Sunday Herald 'The isolation of Nome and the vastness of Alaska are vividly presented THE CRUELLEST MILES tells a fine yarn' Daily Telegrpah

Author Information

Gay Salisbury is the former Associate Publisher of Basic Books. Laney Salisbury, a journalist, has reported from Africa, the Middle East and New York.

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