NANSEN (Fridtjof, 1861-1930, Norwegian Arctic Explorer, Scientist & Diplomat, Nobel Peace Prize Winner 1922)

Fine Autograph Letter Signed to Major Robert Goodden saying that "this life is indeed a rush. I was left no rest at home, had to go on again and am now on my way to London. Thus I have been prevented from writing till now. Please accept my most hearty thanks for your hospitality and great kindness during my stay in Reval. The very pleasant days I spent with you form the bright restful spots in the memory of my Russian journey which I always shall be happy to remember. I sincerely hope that a favourable fate will grant me the privilege of meeting you again. There was no time for getting a photo ... but I sincerely hope to be back soon and then I will send it. Please remember me to the Consul Mr Lesley and to the other gentlemen ...", 2 sides 8vo., with original autograph envelope, S.S. Alexandra Woermann, 25th July

Nansen was the first ambassador to London, 1906-1908, of the newly separated Kingdom of Norway. He had been the first to cross Greenland by the icecap at nearly 9000 feet. In 1918 he became president of the Norwegian League of Nations Society. In April 1920, at the League's request, Nansen began organising the repatriation of around half a million prisoners of war, stranded in various parts of the world. Of these, 300,000 were in Russia which, gripped by revolution and civil war, had little interest in their fate. Nansen was able to report to the Assembly in November 1920 that around 200,000 men had been returned to their homes.
Major Robert Goodden (1881-1972) came from a Dorset "county" family, & had an army career, not as a fighting soldier but as interpreter,and Military Attache in various Baltic states, & Russia, Finland & Romania. He met a number of interesting people through his army work including Nansen and Arthur
Reval is the former name of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.

Item Date:  1920

Stock No:  39869