The Top of the World books in order

The Top of the World series by Farley Mowat features his books about the Canadian Arctic, including People of the Deer and The Desperate People.

Reading order

# Title Published Author Buy on Amazon
1 Ordeal by Ice: The Search for the Northwest Passage 1960 Farley Mowat Buy
2 The Polar Passion: The Quest for the North Pole 1967 Farley Mowat Buy
3 Tundra: Selections from the Great Accounts of Arctic Land Voyages 1973 Farley Mowat Buy

The Top of the World is Farley Mowat’s series about the Canadian Arctic, drawn from his experiences living and traveling in the far north. People of the Deer (1952) brought attention to the plight of the Ihalmiut Inuit people, while The Desperate People (1957) continued documenting their struggle for survival.

These books were among the first to bring the lives and challenges of Arctic communities to a wide readership. Mowat’s passionate advocacy for the people he wrote about made these books both literary works and social documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the The Top of the World series?

There are three books in the The Top of the World series, published between 1960 and 1973.

What is the first book in the The Top of the World series?

The first book in the The Top of the World series is Ordeal by Ice: The Search for the Northwest Passage, published in 1960.

What is The Top of the World series about?

The Top of the World books document Farley Mowat’s experiences in the Canadian Arctic, particularly his observations of Inuit communities and Arctic wildlife. People of the Deer and The Desperate People are the most significant entries.

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