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Books about Antarctic Exploration
Some brief notes on the booksScott and Amundsen, R Huntford, Weidenfeld (1979) - previously published as "The Last Place on Earth"This excellent book is an account of the 'race' between Scott and Amundsen to the South Pole in 1911-12. Depending on your point of view, it is either accurate or biased heavily against Scott, portraying him largely as incompetent and unable to plan and control an expedition of this complexity. Whatever you think, it's a fascinating book - I couldn't put it down! The Norwegian with Scott, T Gran, HMSO (1984)Tryggve Gran was the only Norwegian in Scott's expedition of 1911-12. This book is his diary of the expedition, translated into English by his daughter. The relationship between Scott and Gran was always difficult because of his nationality. Shackleton, R Huntford, Atheneum (1985)This is an autobiography of Shackleton written by Roland Huntford. It tells the dramatic story of Shackleton's attempted crossing of the Antarctic continent, of how his ship was caught in the ice and eventually sank, and the incredible journey undertaken to cross the ocean to South Georgia in an open boat in order to rescue his men back on Elephant Island. Huntford clearly believes Shackleton to be a great explorer and leader and his admiration comes across in waves. An excellent read, but be prepared to devote plenty of time - it's 700 pages! Shackleton's Argonauts, F Hurley, McGraw-Hill (1979) - previously published by Angus and Robertson (1948)Frank Hurley was the official photographer on Shackleton's expedition to cross the Antarctic continent. This is his account of the ill-fated expedition and the incredible tale of rescue. The negatives of his pictures were salvaged at great risk from the wreck of the 'Endurance' and are virtually the only surviving records of the expedition. The book includes many of Hurley's photographs and is worth buying for them alone. Voyage of the Discovery, Captain Robert F Scott, Smith Elder and Co. (1905) - Vols 1 and 2This is the diary of Scott's first expedition to Antarctica in 1903-4. Recently we were lucky enough to obtain a rare first edition of this book. It's in a fairly delicate state and I'm reserving reading it for a time when I can give it my full attention (it's definitely not aeroplane reading matter!). I am sure it will provide a fascinating insight into the culture of exploration at the turn of the century. A First Rate Tragedy, Diana Preston, Constable (1997)Diana Preston's book recounts the events which led to the tragedy of Scott's expedition in 1912. She analyses the reasons why Scott's trip failed whereas Amundsen's last minute decision to try for the South Pole succeeded. The South Pole, Roald Amundsen, C Hurst (1976) - first published by John Murray (1912)Amundsen's diary of his conquest of the South Pole in 1911-12. A largely factual account, written in a dispassionate style, showing how Amundsen planned everything down to the last detail. Mind over Matter, R Fiennes, Mandarin (1994)Ranulph Fiennes account of his unsupported crossing of the Antarctic continent accompanied by Mike Stroud in 1992-3. The journey they undertook was a huge challenge - some dispute whether they really achieved their aim. The book describes all the initial preparation as well as the trip itself; it also describes in detail all the tensions that arose between the two companions through the loneliness of their situation. The writing style is somewhat cramped, but nevertheless it is well worth reading. Contrast it with Mike Stroud's own book of the same events. Worst Journey in The World, A Cherry-Garrard, Picador (1994) - first published by Penguin (1922)Apsley Cherry-Garrard's account of Scott's last expedition covers the whole affair from recruitment in England to the eventual return. The worst journey of the title is the trip he undertook with Edward Wilson and Birdie Bowers to visit an Emperor penguin colony at Cape Crozier in the middle of the Antarctic winter so they could collect eggs. The book is well worth reading - though it can be quite hard going in places. It provides a lot of insights into the ways of the English at the turn of the century. Even though Cherry-Garrard treats Scott as a great leader, some of the actions portrayed make him seem more of a pompous fool! This Accursed Land, L Bickel, Macmillan (1977)This book tells the story of Sir Douglas Mawson's epic and tragic journey exploring unknown parts of Antarctica around Commonwealth Bay in 1912 when only he of the three man party survived. Sir Edmund Hillary described the journey as 'the greatest story of lone survival in Polar exploration'. This account of Mawson's struggle against starvation, poisoning, exhaustion and cold is powerfully and grippingly told - you won't be able to put it down. "No Surrender", H Avery, Thomas Nelson (pre 1935)This is a book which I only acquired recently. I found it in my mother's attic and discovered that it had been given as a school prize to my father in 1935! Until then I'd had no idea that he had also had an interest in Antarctic exploration. The book is written specifically for schoolboys, and is very much in the 'heroic' style, rather typical of the 1930s.
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