Explorers House: National Geographic and the World It Made

by Robert M. Poole

Book Overview

For more than one hundred years, the National Geographic Society has brought "the world and all that is in it" to millions worldwide. Through its unparalleled research, exploration, publications, and photography, the organization and its magazine have, in many ways, defined how we see the world. Now Robert Poole's Explorers House gives a vibrant, behind-the-scenes look at National Geographic, from its start in 1888 to its evolution into one of the...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1594200327
• ISBN13: 9781594200328
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Penguin Press
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

An Amazing Look Behind the Scenes...

Poole's Explorers House delves into the private, behind-the-scenes world of the National Geographic Society. The author, who retired as Executive Editor of the National Geographic magazine so he could write this unflinching biography, explores the formation of the NGS as a DC-based social club for government scientists, military men, inventors, and the all-important amateurs, and the connections and power of the Hubbard, Bell and Grosvenor families that controlled the organization for over a century (a family tree is included that helps decipher this sometimes confusing web of nepotism). Poole discusses the member/subscriber scheme that fueled the Society's early days (and they were the first magazine to include subscription cards in their pages), the funding of various expeditions, the emergence of NG as a photographic powerhouse, the stock market crash and its effect on the NGS, their expansion into books, globes, television, and other magazines, and their transformation into a giant corporate entity. He also gives a good look at Alexander Graham Bell, a remarkable and caring man who's vision truly lifted the NGS to greatness. Poole does not shy away from the NGS's black eyes, including the institutional - and sometimes blatant - racism that existed in one form or another, within the NGS until the 1970s, the Cook/Peary North Pole controversy, and the embarrassing pro-Hitler and Mussolini articles that appeared in NG in the late-1930s. This book is not, and does not claim to be, about the various adventures funded by the NGS. While some explorations are discussed, this tome is primarily about the men and women who made these adventures possible. In that aspect this book is unique. The adventures of the NGS are available in numerous other books and, of course, in the magazine itself. Understanding that I am a big supporter of the NGS and its mission, I really enjoyed this book. While it is a scholarly work (and to that end is heavily endnoted), it is still an excellent, well-flowing narrative that is at times astonishing, and always riveting. It has increased the enjoyment of my NG collection and I would recommend it to anyone with even the slightest interest in the workings of the NGS. If I were to find fault, I would have wanted more photos other than the one posted at each chapter head (to resolve this, just take a look at any NG anniversary issue, the photos will jump to life after reading Poole's account). There are some statistics that are needlessly repeated and I would have like to know what kind of competition existed between the Smithsonian magazine and NG (Smithsonian is only mentioned in passing), but these are just pebbles in an otherwise long, beautiful road.

way cool

I stumbled upon this book, and am I glad I did. It's a lovely history of a great--and eccentric--American icon. And it's not boring, if you're worried about that. In fact, it's way cool, with lots of romance, adventure, history, and enthusiasm for life the founders of the place had. That love for life is why so many people are fond of National Geographic and how so many scientists--amateur and professional--found their life callings. Anyone I know with even a passing interest in anthropology, archaeology, wildlife, the sky, the sea, whatever, all of them say they trace their passion back to reading National Geographic when they were young. I plan on giving them this book for Christmas. Take a look at it; it's well worth it.

America Meets World

This book not only presents a meticulously researched history of one of America's most humanistic institutions, the National Geographic, but expertly teases out the very human qualities, the in-house politicking and leadership visions - brave, quirky or inspired - that helped fuel its rise. It is quite a story, the intriguing ins and outs of which were news to this occasional magazine contributor. Founded in 1888, when the country was alive with youthful passion for investigating the physical world, the Geographic evolved into an elegantly two-fisted salon from which explorers the likes of Robert E. Peary, self-styled conqueror of the North Pole, went forth to paint in the blank places on the map. The Society went on to support platoons of intrepid explorers and field scientists, including not a few curmudgeonly writers, photographers, and world-class prima donnas into the bargain. Painstakingly reported, gracefully written, Bob Poole's book limns that whole idiosyncratic lineup with wry insight. Fondness for the institution (which he served as executive editor) aside, however, Poole doesn't flinch from telling the tale warts and all - the Geographic's prewar ambivalence toward Hitler's Germany, its embrace in pre-Civil Rights America of the larger society's racial prejudices, or its Cold War fling in aiding CIA efforts against the Russians. What shines through is Poole's gift for putting the reader into the trenches as the men and women of the Geographic launch themselves into the world, to encounter not only the hard-won botanical specimen or the forbidding wind-scarred glacier but the potentates and political powers-that-be, both at home and abroad, that tend to make life really challenging. What emerges is a clear-eyed picture of how, under the founding Grosvenor clan, the Geographic became a vehicle for the drive, enthusiasms and meritocratic strivings which, on its many good days, typified the better angels of America's approach to the world in the century just past.

Exploring Explorers House

They've nearly all died-Colliers, Look, Saturday Evening Post, Life, Holiday, and many other magazines--while National Geographic flourishes. The people who made this happen are the subject of Explorers House by Bob Poole Though circulation has dipped from a high near 11million, the Geographic still reaches around 7 million domestic subscribers, plus two million in foreign issues, and who knows how many others in dentists' offices. Former associate editor Poole examines more than a century of Geographic publishing, from a thin magazine nursed by Alexander Graham Bell and his son-in-law, Gilbert H. Grosvenor, to the present megamagazine whose offspring of TV and books and et ceteras are presided over by more than 50 well-compensasted vice-presidents. The heart of Poole's chronicle is the Grosvenor editorial dynasty--the orderly Gilbert, his brilliant son Melville, and Melville's methodical son Gil, now chairman of the board. The smoldering tiff between Gil and editor Bill Garrett, which ends in Garrett's sudden firing, reads like a thriller. Both men still speak to Poole, a testament to the tale's accuracy. So much for editors. Over the years staffers and contributors performed sacred, sometimes unique, Geographic feats: Robert Peary makes it to the North Pole, or was it just in the vicinity? Maynard Owen Williams explores Tutankhamen's tomb; Luis Marden dives off Pitcairn Island and discovers the remains of H.M.S. Bounty; Barry Bishop climbs Mt. Everest and loses toes to frostbite. Gilding no lilies, Poole documents Gilbert Grosvenor's racist attitude toward blacks, as well as his early sympathy for Hitler's Germany. Editor Poole is also a writers writer, a master of the telling detail, the nifty phrase, and the unexpected but apt word. His relentless pursuit of primary sources brings revelations that have surprised even long time Geographic staff members, myself included. A work to be praised, and savored.

A Wonderful History of An American Treasure

This is a truly wonderful history of an American institution and the family behind it, a sweeping story filled with great characters, telling details, romance and conflict, and surprising reasons for why the National Geographic is the way it is today. Poole has the rare gift of knowing how to tell a good tale--interesting details, fine pacing, strong characters, and excellent reporting and research. The book is also a fine history of the city of Washington and the nation it governs. Beautifully written from beginning to end.