Hampton Sides 2 Books Collection Set - Non Fiction - In the Kingdom of Ice and The Wide Wide Sea

Titles in This Set:
In the Kingdom of Ice
The Wide Wide Sea

Overview:
From the acclaimed historian and storyteller Hampton Sides, this two-book collection brings together two monumental narrative histories of exploration, risk, and discovery. In the Kingdom of Ice chronicles the perilous, polar voyage of the USS Jeannette and the crew’s struggle for survival against crushing ice, scouring cold, and dwindling supplies. The Wide Wide Sea, Sides’s immersive account of Captain James Cook’s final voyage, unfolds a different kind of drama: grand ambition, first contact, and the moral complexities of empire on the world’s edge. Together, these two non-fiction works offer a complementary panorama of exploration—from the merciless Arctic to the vast Pacific—told with Sides’s signature blend of archival depth, character-driven scenes, and cinematic momentum. This is a premium, durable collection for history lovers, maritime enthusiasts, and readers who crave meticulously researched, vividly told real events. A powerful addition to any serious library, and a compelling shared reading journey from polar ice to tropical seas.

What Makes This Collection Special:
Both books showcase Hampton Sides at the height of his craft: rigorous research married to riveting narrative flow. In the Kingdom of Ice digs into the Jeannette expedition with meticulous attention to diaries, logs, and scientific reports, offering a visceral sense of what it meant to endure the unforgiving Arctic—hunger, cold, isolation, and the stubborn will to survive. The Wide Wide Sea braids exploration with empire, presenting Cook’s voyage through the lens of not only European ambition but Indigenous voices and long-term consequences. The pairing invites readers to compare two eras of exploration—one driven by discovery in the treacherous north, the other by global reach across the Pacific—while enjoying two complete, standalone reads that also form a cohesive historical arc. This set is ideal for binge-reading, thoughtful discussion, and ongoing reference in a history or literature collection.

Books Included in This Collection:
In the Kingdom of Ice
This gripping chronicle follows the ill-fated USS Jeannette expedition as it battles sea ice, bitter cold, and the psychological strain of an expedition pushed to its limits. Hampton Sides combines archival documents with vivid, cinematic prose to recreate life aboard the ship, the crew’s shifting morale, and the desperate improvisations that kept some alive while others succumbed to the ruthless Arctic environment. Readers gain a clear sense of leadership under pressure, the role of science in decision-making, and how ambition can collide with survival in the most extreme conditions.

The Wide Wide Sea
A sweeping portrait of Captain James Cook’s third voyage, this book traces the voyage from England to the Pacific, through storms, long passages, and the complex dynamics of European contact with Indigenous communities. Sides balances the thrilling sense of discovery with a sober examination of the moral and geopolitical costs of exploration. The narrative engages with historical debate about imperialism, navigational breakthroughs, and the legacies of first contact, culminating in Cook’s dramatic death in Hawaii and the enduring conversation about exploration’s true costs.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
Historians and history enthusiasts who love rigorous, readable nonfiction will relish this collection. It’s also ideal for readers who enjoy maritime history, polar exploration, and the broader story of how global empires formed and interacted with Indigenous peoples. Students and teachers will find rich material for coursework on historical method, leadership, and the ethics of exploration. Gift buyers will appreciate a two-book set that feels substantial and collectible, perfect for a bookshelf display or a reading-focused gift. Whether you’re building a study in narrative nonfiction or seeking a thoughtful pair of immersive biographies of exploration, this set speaks to curious minds hungry for depth and drama.

Key Benefits:

• Two immersive, well-researched histories from a trusted narrative nonfiction master
• Vivid scenes that place you aboard ships, decks, and icebound landscapes
• Balanced perspectives, including Indigenous voices and imperial contexts
• Excellent for building a chronological understanding of exploration history
• Strong reading experience for book clubs, classrooms, and personal libraries
• Companion pair for readers who enjoyed epic voyages and historical investigations

About the Author:
Hampton Sides is a New York Times bestselling author celebrated for his immersive, meticulously researched narrative non-fiction. His work blends archival depth with cinematic storytelling, bringing complex histories to life for general readers and scholars alike. In addition to In the Kingdom of Ice and The Wide Wide Sea, Sides is known for acclaimed titles such as Ghost Soldiers and Hellhound on His Trail, each praised for pacing, vivid character work, and careful sourcing. Readers trust his voice to illuminate difficult subjects—whether scientists braving the Arctic or navigators shaping world history—with clarity, moral nuance, and a compelling sense of place. In this collection, Sides applies his proven craft to two towering voyages, inviting readers to experience exploration as both adventure and a mirror of human ambition.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
Owning this two-book collection provides a complete, coherent window into the age of exploration—from the icy frontiers of the Jeannette to the expansive seas navigated by Cook. The prose is accessible yet exact, making these books ideal for readers new to narrative nonfiction and seasoned history buffs alike. The set offers strong gifting appeal for graduates, history lovers, or anyone building a durable, high- quality library. With two richly detailed, standalone narratives, you gain the freedom to read at your own pace or dive into a focused comparative study of exploration’s motivations, risks, and enduring legacies.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.