Victor, Paul-Émile

(1907-1995)

   explorer

   Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Paul-Émile Victor was an engineer, naval officer, and ethnologist. He explored the polar region, traveled among the Eskimos of Angmassalik (east coast of Greenland, 1934-35, 1936-37) and in Lapland (1939). After World War II, he led French expeditions to Greenland and the Adelaide Peninsula. He is the author of a number of works including accounts (Banquise, 1939), memoirs (La Mansarde, 1981; L'Iglou, 1987); a translation (Poèmes Eskimos, 1951); and ethnographic studies (La Civilisation du phoque: jeux, gestes et techniques des Eskimos d'Ammassalik, 1989).