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Ice Bound: Australian Stories from Antarctica
Australians have long been tempted by the lure of the ice to the south, and our Antarctic stories are filled with mystery, exploration, adventure, ground-breaking science, tragedy, and triumph.The Antarctic region was taking shape in the Australian imagination long before humans ventured into the high southern latitudes. Through their stories about ice and wind, ocean and wildlife, light and darkness, Australians found ways to make sense of the mysterious realm to their south. In the process, they created powerful cultural connections between these two Gondwanan cousins that endure to this day.The stories of the early intrepid explorers to brave this ‘most desolate, cruellest region in the world’ are thrilling. The legendary Douglas Mawson and his teams had to learn to first crawl, and then walk, through hurricane-force winds, dig exit tunnels through the snow that continually buried their huts, and haul heavily laden sledges across treacherous fields of crevasses. Despite the extreme conditions and isolation though, there was always a great heartening aspect that these adventurers brought to their endeavours. Whether it was the morale-boosting songs that were sung during the sledging journeys, the joyous heralding of the return of the penguins in spring, or the much-treasured tradition of Midwinter’s Day (involving a sumptuous banquet, extravagant attire and a theatrical performance), Australians have always found the warmth of camaraderie in this absolute coldest of places.This spirit has continued through the 20th century and into the 21st, with Australians establishing scientific Antarctic bases and continuing to make vital contributions to the world’s knowledge of earth science and climate change.Ice Bound is an exciting and comprehensive account of Australian stories in Antarctica, from the very first imaginings of what may lie to the south, to the inspiring early expeditions onto the unknown continent, through to the remarkable and valuable scientific work that is still going strong today. Generously illustrated with stunning contemporary imagery, as well as fascinating historical photos from the early expeditions, Ice Bound will fill the reader with awe for this spectacular continent, and bring alive the Aussie stories that have taken place there.
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July 19, 2023
Ice Bound: The Australian Story of Antartica is an informative and engaging account of the history of Australia’s connection with Antartica.
Written by renowned environmental historian Joy McCann, this is a superb read for all who are mesmerised by the “vast, solitary snow-land, cold-white under the sparkling star-gems; lustrous in the radiance of the southern lights; furrowed beneath the icy sweep of the wind” as described by Australian expeditioner Douglas Mawson.
No less fascinating than Mawson’s own book The Home of the Blizzard (1915), Ice Bound utilises “stories of exploration and adventure, exploitation and conservation, culture, science and governance” to examine Australia’s relationship with Antartica.
The book also contains more than 200 historical images from National Library of Australia, plus precious landscape photographs and documentary images captured by scientists. It is intellectually stimulating and visually stunning.
The comprehensive storytelling begins with the “heroic era” featuring prominent Australian and international explorers such as Mawson, Borchgrevink, Davis, Hurley, Scott and Shackleton. In sharp contrast are depictions of the gruesome fur and oil-harvesting business that drove Macquarie Island‘s seals and penguins to near distinction.
Following the founding of the Australian Antarctic Division in 1948, Australia consolidated its sovereignty in Antarctica by building a permanent presence on the frozen continent. Mawson research station was set up in 1954, while Davis station was established in 1957 as part of its scientific program during the International Geophysical Year.
The ensuing “scientific era” was a remarkable proof that nations could indeed put aside their contest for territory in pursuit of coordinated scientific research that would yield benefits for the whole world. The 1959 Antarctic Treaty further demilitarised the continent, ensuring that it is dedicated to peace and science.
The “resources era” witnessed the introduction of other important international conventions aiming to protect Antarctica from exploitation and pollution. Today, the Antarctic Treaty System reflects public attitudes towards valuing the unique polar environment at the southernmost end of our planet as the impacts of climate change and population increases are felt.
As the book reveals, generations of Australian scientists, researchers and environmental activists have made considerable contributions to our understanding and caring of Antarctica. Unsurprisingly, there are also countless moments throughout this history when humans became acutely aware of their own insignificance and fragility in this majestic yet merciless land.
But this is also a land of imaginative possibilities, where “one felt this instantaneous fear at the first sight of it, that it would annihilate one; but this was overcome straight away by the sense of wonder in it” as observed by Australian artist Sidney Nolan.
Hence, in McCann’s words, a voyage to Antarctic is “not just a physical encounter with a hostile environment, but an inner journey of personal reflection and spiritual transformation”.
Still, those of us who are unlikely to make this voyage in our lifetime can be content with Ice Bound. This splendid book is a must read for all who want to experience the intimate link between the “Gondwanan cousins” that are Australia and Antarctica.
Note: This book review was originally published under the title “Australians in Antarctica” by Mountain Views Star Mail, May 9, 2023, P.16.
Note 2: This book review was republished under the title “Antarctica book informative and engaging” by mountain Views Star Mail, May 16, 2023, P.24.
Written by renowned environmental historian Joy McCann, this is a superb read for all who are mesmerised by the “vast, solitary snow-land, cold-white under the sparkling star-gems; lustrous in the radiance of the southern lights; furrowed beneath the icy sweep of the wind” as described by Australian expeditioner Douglas Mawson.
No less fascinating than Mawson’s own book The Home of the Blizzard (1915), Ice Bound utilises “stories of exploration and adventure, exploitation and conservation, culture, science and governance” to examine Australia’s relationship with Antartica.
The book also contains more than 200 historical images from National Library of Australia, plus precious landscape photographs and documentary images captured by scientists. It is intellectually stimulating and visually stunning.
The comprehensive storytelling begins with the “heroic era” featuring prominent Australian and international explorers such as Mawson, Borchgrevink, Davis, Hurley, Scott and Shackleton. In sharp contrast are depictions of the gruesome fur and oil-harvesting business that drove Macquarie Island‘s seals and penguins to near distinction.
Following the founding of the Australian Antarctic Division in 1948, Australia consolidated its sovereignty in Antarctica by building a permanent presence on the frozen continent. Mawson research station was set up in 1954, while Davis station was established in 1957 as part of its scientific program during the International Geophysical Year.
The ensuing “scientific era” was a remarkable proof that nations could indeed put aside their contest for territory in pursuit of coordinated scientific research that would yield benefits for the whole world. The 1959 Antarctic Treaty further demilitarised the continent, ensuring that it is dedicated to peace and science.
The “resources era” witnessed the introduction of other important international conventions aiming to protect Antarctica from exploitation and pollution. Today, the Antarctic Treaty System reflects public attitudes towards valuing the unique polar environment at the southernmost end of our planet as the impacts of climate change and population increases are felt.
As the book reveals, generations of Australian scientists, researchers and environmental activists have made considerable contributions to our understanding and caring of Antarctica. Unsurprisingly, there are also countless moments throughout this history when humans became acutely aware of their own insignificance and fragility in this majestic yet merciless land.
But this is also a land of imaginative possibilities, where “one felt this instantaneous fear at the first sight of it, that it would annihilate one; but this was overcome straight away by the sense of wonder in it” as observed by Australian artist Sidney Nolan.
Hence, in McCann’s words, a voyage to Antarctic is “not just a physical encounter with a hostile environment, but an inner journey of personal reflection and spiritual transformation”.
Still, those of us who are unlikely to make this voyage in our lifetime can be content with Ice Bound. This splendid book is a must read for all who want to experience the intimate link between the “Gondwanan cousins” that are Australia and Antarctica.
Note: This book review was originally published under the title “Australians in Antarctica” by Mountain Views Star Mail, May 9, 2023, P.16.
Note 2: This book review was republished under the title “Antarctica book informative and engaging” by mountain Views Star Mail, May 16, 2023, P.24.
Displaying 1 of 1 review