A Stowaway Ukulele Revealed

A Stowaway Ukulele Revealed: Richard Konter & the Byrd Polar Expeditions is the unlikely and compelling story of a globe-trotting, ukulele-strumming, Brooklyn sailor named Richard Konter and his famous autographed instrument. At the height of the ukulele craze, Konter was a go-to arranger for Tin Pan Alley composers and publishers.

In 1926, Konter shipped out as a member of the crew of the Byrd Arctic Expedition. As a riveted world followed their progress (and that of their arch-rival, Roald Amundsen, the world's greatest polar explorer), Konter managed to get his ukulele aboard Byrd's plane for the first successful polar flight. A keen contributor to history in the making, Konter managed to obtain the autographs of more than 150 individuals, both famous and unknown, all of whom respected the importance of Konter's North Pole ukulele. Later, Konter accompanied Byrd to Antarctica and later married, for the first time at age 80, the love of his life.

For the first time, A Stowaway Ukulele Revealed: Richard Konter & the Byrd Polar Expeditions details the marvelously diverse cast of characters who autographed this little instrument, presenting mini-biographies and photographs to illustrate the interconnected web of lives brought together by Konter. New archival research, interviews, and imaging all combine to make A Stowaway Ukulele Revealed: Richard Konter & the Byrd Polar Expeditions a spellbinding read that blends biography, music, polar exploration, history, determination, courage, and romance.

About the Author

Laurence E. Bartam Jr. (Clinton, NJ) is an archaeologist and software publisher. He earned his B.A. (Anthropology) from the University of Arizona (1974) and his Ph.D. (Anthropology) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1993). Larry has conducted archaeological research in the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia, and ethnoarchaeological research in Africa. In 1998, he co-founded a software publishing company that produces college courseware. He lives in Clinton, New Jersey.

Dick Boak (Bethlehem, PA) has enjoyed a 4- year career with the world-renowned Martin Guitar Company. In addition to his extensive work in Martin's museum and archives, he created signature edition guitars for more than one hundred legendary guitarists and musicians. Dick is an accomplished illustrator, designer, woodworker, guitar maker, recording artist and author. He resides in Nazareth, Pennsylvania with his family.