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Mawson and the Ice Men of the Heroic Age: Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen
The incredible story of Australia's most famous polar explorer and the giants from the heroic age of polar exploration
Douglas Mawson, born in 1882 and knighted in 1914, was Australia's greatest Antarctic explorer. This is the incredible account of an expedition he led on December 2, 1911, from Hobart, to explore the virgin frozen coastline below, 2000 miles of which had never felt the tread of a human foot. After setting up Main Base at Cape Denision and Western Base on Queen Mary Land, he headed east on an extraordinary sledging trek with his companions, Belgrave Ninnis and Dr Xavier Mertz. After five weeks, tragedy struck—Ninnis was swallowed whole by a snow-covered crevasse, and Mawson and Mertz realized it was too dangerous to go on. Dwindling supplies forced them to kill their dogs to feed the other dogs, at first, and then themselves. Hunger, sickness, and despair eventually got the better of Ninnis, and he succumbed to madness and then to death. Mawson found himself all alone, 160 miles from safety, with next to no food. This staggering tale of his survival, against all odds, also masterfully interweaves the stories of the other giants from the heroic age of polar exploration, to bring the jaw-dropping events of this bygone era dazzlingly back to life.
Douglas Mawson, born in 1882 and knighted in 1914, was Australia's greatest Antarctic explorer. This is the incredible account of an expedition he led on December 2, 1911, from Hobart, to explore the virgin frozen coastline below, 2000 miles of which had never felt the tread of a human foot. After setting up Main Base at Cape Denision and Western Base on Queen Mary Land, he headed east on an extraordinary sledging trek with his companions, Belgrave Ninnis and Dr Xavier Mertz. After five weeks, tragedy struck—Ninnis was swallowed whole by a snow-covered crevasse, and Mawson and Mertz realized it was too dangerous to go on. Dwindling supplies forced them to kill their dogs to feed the other dogs, at first, and then themselves. Hunger, sickness, and despair eventually got the better of Ninnis, and he succumbed to madness and then to death. Mawson found himself all alone, 160 miles from safety, with next to no food. This staggering tale of his survival, against all odds, also masterfully interweaves the stories of the other giants from the heroic age of polar exploration, to bring the jaw-dropping events of this bygone era dazzlingly back to life.
737 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
66 people are currently reading
762 people want to read
About the author
Peter FitzSimons
85 books479 followersPeter FitzSimons is one of Australia’s most prominent and successful media and publishing identities. His busy professional life involves co-hosting the breakfast program on Sydney's Radio 2UE, writing weekly columns for the Sydney Morning Herald and Sun Herald newspapers, appearing on Foxtel's Back Page television show and, when time permits, authoring best-selling books. A correspondent for London's Daily Telegraph as well, he is also in high demand as a guest speaker and presenter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
November 26, 2023
A must read for Australians, lovers of the Antarctic and adventure. The daring tales represent the absolute the high and lows of both incredible achievement and horrific tragedy.
March 3, 2012
Some books resonate with you and grab your interest. I would not have picked up 'Mawson' myself, but after receiving it as a birthday present, I was immediately rivetted to it. The fact that no-one, neither Europeans or anyone else, knew about Antarctica until so recently created an initial intrigue. My curiousity was piqued further as I found out that I had traced some of the steps Mawson had previously taken: As a 2 year old en route from Yorkshire he was caught climbing the rigging on the ship (I was also a climber, apparently); he went to Fort Street (my father's high school); studied geology at Sydney University (as i did, initially"); he then went to Adelaide where he go his doctorate - I think (its where I got mine). Unfortunately I never got to ANtarctica, but it has been a fascianation for me since a year 5 assignment - my mum even wanted to send me there when I finshed school as a gap year before starting Uni.
Befiore starting the book I knew Mwason was a base in Antartica and might have guessed he was an Australian explorer there but I did not realise Mawson had been such a significant part of the great expeditions at the beginning of he 1900's. Fitzsimons has written the book such that the more famous anmes - Shackleton, Scott and Amundsen - were also part of the picture. This risked diminsihing the feats of MAwson, however, I felt it succeeded instead in placing MAwson alongside the others where he perhaps would have been were it not for the timing of WWi and his nationality.
Most of the story is centred on Mawson's involvement in the first effort by Shckleton where Mawson effectively led a three man team to the South magnetic pole (first to do so) whilst Shackleton nearly got to the geographic south pole. Mawson came to the fore as a man capable of handling the conditions many were crushed by, whilst it initiated a passion to explore Antarctica further. Therefore, when SCott was preparing for his assualt on the pole, Mawson sought to join him, but only for the science, something SCott could not agree to. So, as Scott, and secretly Amndsen, began their trips to the south pole, Mawson gathered support for an Australian trip which he began the following year and lead.
The stories of the various men and their parties are described in the present tense, which allows the reader (once you're used to it) to get a feel for what the characters knew and fel at the time. There is much that is inspiring, not just for those with a geological or geographical bent, whilst there is also romance (Mawsons relationship with his Fiance) and trgedy. These events caught the public imagination at the time, and I daresay still will, as there are no more frontiers of this kind left (until we begin heading to other planets in earnest). I think this book would have broad appeal, although the slightest connection with any of the stories played out will liekly be enough to capture the attention of any who read it, as it did me.
Befiore starting the book I knew Mwason was a base in Antartica and might have guessed he was an Australian explorer there but I did not realise Mawson had been such a significant part of the great expeditions at the beginning of he 1900's. Fitzsimons has written the book such that the more famous anmes - Shackleton, Scott and Amundsen - were also part of the picture. This risked diminsihing the feats of MAwson, however, I felt it succeeded instead in placing MAwson alongside the others where he perhaps would have been were it not for the timing of WWi and his nationality.
Most of the story is centred on Mawson's involvement in the first effort by Shckleton where Mawson effectively led a three man team to the South magnetic pole (first to do so) whilst Shackleton nearly got to the geographic south pole. Mawson came to the fore as a man capable of handling the conditions many were crushed by, whilst it initiated a passion to explore Antarctica further. Therefore, when SCott was preparing for his assualt on the pole, Mawson sought to join him, but only for the science, something SCott could not agree to. So, as Scott, and secretly Amndsen, began their trips to the south pole, Mawson gathered support for an Australian trip which he began the following year and lead.
The stories of the various men and their parties are described in the present tense, which allows the reader (once you're used to it) to get a feel for what the characters knew and fel at the time. There is much that is inspiring, not just for those with a geological or geographical bent, whilst there is also romance (Mawsons relationship with his Fiance) and trgedy. These events caught the public imagination at the time, and I daresay still will, as there are no more frontiers of this kind left (until we begin heading to other planets in earnest). I think this book would have broad appeal, although the slightest connection with any of the stories played out will liekly be enough to capture the attention of any who read it, as it did me.
February 22, 2023
Well what can I say? Another great storytelling by Fitzsimons.
Where most history books are pretty black and white, Fitzsimons always knows how to put a bit of colour in the story. Ok, he might be stretching the truth just a little bit, specially when it comes to conversations between the characters, but I rather have that than just plain “they travelled from - to, and seemingly didn’t say a word all of the thirty days”.
Where most history books are pretty black and white, Fitzsimons always knows how to put a bit of colour in the story. Ok, he might be stretching the truth just a little bit, specially when it comes to conversations between the characters, but I rather have that than just plain “they travelled from - to, and seemingly didn’t say a word all of the thirty days”.
April 28, 2020
Having recently finished Endurance I thought I should add in another Antarctica read. FitSimons is such a talented writer and I enjoyed the amount of detail in such a story.
November 29, 2014
Peter Fitzsimons has a unique writing style which really breathes life into the story of Mawson (alongside the other famous explorers of the golden age of exploration, Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen).
Before reading this book, I had read books about modern-day adventures in Antarctica but thought I'd stick to a basic history of earlier explorations there. Then for Christmas I received this book and all that changed. I was about to delve into the world of grueling hardships and ardent romance experienced by those burly men of the Antarctic in the early 1900's.
I was eager to attempt this book and endeavor to get a judicious understanding of these marvelous men and what it was like saying goodbye to their family and friends to venture into the painstakingly unknown seventh continent that lay at the bottom of the globe in it's vast, frigid enormity, not even knowing whether they will return. I thought it optimistic to think I could complete such a large book- over 700 pages.
This book is primarily about Mawson, as the title of the book suggests, but there is also a lot to do with his adventurous colleagues in Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen. I found this a great facet of the book as it adds a whole new dimension to Mawson's story, offers a generous background of their stories and allows the reader to put a legend to the famous name of any of these figures.
I found it very readable, and for a book of its size, remarkably hard to put down for the most part. It was only in the final chapter of the book that I finally got bored with it and put it down before returning sometime later to solidly wrap-up the story.
The book is jam-packed with electrifying tales of adventure and also offers some of the most splendid romance reading that will captivate the hearts of any reader, for example, the beautifully-written letters between Mawson and his beloved Paquita.
Fitzsimons is good at evoking readers' emotions in certain parts of the book. For example, he writes fervidly of the separate and tragic deaths of Ninnis and Mertz, alongside others who died in this age of Antarctic exploration (no more spoilers).
Overall, this book is an enthralling and infatuating read that I guarantee will leave inspired and deeply moved anyone who sets about reading it.
Before reading this book, I had read books about modern-day adventures in Antarctica but thought I'd stick to a basic history of earlier explorations there. Then for Christmas I received this book and all that changed. I was about to delve into the world of grueling hardships and ardent romance experienced by those burly men of the Antarctic in the early 1900's.
I was eager to attempt this book and endeavor to get a judicious understanding of these marvelous men and what it was like saying goodbye to their family and friends to venture into the painstakingly unknown seventh continent that lay at the bottom of the globe in it's vast, frigid enormity, not even knowing whether they will return. I thought it optimistic to think I could complete such a large book- over 700 pages.
This book is primarily about Mawson, as the title of the book suggests, but there is also a lot to do with his adventurous colleagues in Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen. I found this a great facet of the book as it adds a whole new dimension to Mawson's story, offers a generous background of their stories and allows the reader to put a legend to the famous name of any of these figures.
I found it very readable, and for a book of its size, remarkably hard to put down for the most part. It was only in the final chapter of the book that I finally got bored with it and put it down before returning sometime later to solidly wrap-up the story.
The book is jam-packed with electrifying tales of adventure and also offers some of the most splendid romance reading that will captivate the hearts of any reader, for example, the beautifully-written letters between Mawson and his beloved Paquita.
Fitzsimons is good at evoking readers' emotions in certain parts of the book. For example, he writes fervidly of the separate and tragic deaths of Ninnis and Mertz, alongside others who died in this age of Antarctic exploration (no more spoilers).
Overall, this book is an enthralling and infatuating read that I guarantee will leave inspired and deeply moved anyone who sets about reading it.
March 17, 2013
An amazing insight into the exploration of the Antarctic by 4 great explorers, not just while they were exploring, but in how they worked to get expeditions under way. As always, these are great case studies for leadership, too.
I really liked the way the book is set out chronologically. It is clear that at the same time that Mawson is fundraising for his expedition, Shackleton is assisting him, Scott is heading to the Antarctic and Amundsen is advising his crew that they are also headed to the South Pole.
The book does not romanticise the fate of the Scott expedition. Instead, it sets out the facts and allows the reader to form a view of what could have been done differently to change the outcome of that expedition. It also gives an insight into the reaction of the public at the time.
I also found it interesting to read about Shackleton when he was not exploring, but engaged in entrepreneurial schemes and chasing more than one goal at a time. As an avid fan of Shackleton, it was interesting to read something that shows him other situations. Also reassuring to read of his generosity of spirit - both in throwing support behind Mawson's expedition, and in welcoming the news that it was Amundsen who reached to pole (hope that's not a spoiler!), rather than a Brit.
Most of all, I felt for Amundsen, who was made out to be a villain for daring to 'race for the pole' rather than wait for Scott to have a go before starting his journey. The public reaction needs to be considered in its cultural context, which in itself is interesting, but I have to hope we would be more open minded in the 21st century!
In terms of leadership, lessons included the need to plan (plan, plan and plan some more); to take the advice of experts and not be overwhelmed by what people think should be the case because it seems more fitting (e.g. Scott's view that it was more noble to man-haul a sled than to use some other form of locomotion such as ponies or dogs); the need to reassess plans when circumstances change, and also the need to stick to plans that were made for good reason when challenges arise; and the need to lead from the front.
I really liked the way the book is set out chronologically. It is clear that at the same time that Mawson is fundraising for his expedition, Shackleton is assisting him, Scott is heading to the Antarctic and Amundsen is advising his crew that they are also headed to the South Pole.
The book does not romanticise the fate of the Scott expedition. Instead, it sets out the facts and allows the reader to form a view of what could have been done differently to change the outcome of that expedition. It also gives an insight into the reaction of the public at the time.
I also found it interesting to read about Shackleton when he was not exploring, but engaged in entrepreneurial schemes and chasing more than one goal at a time. As an avid fan of Shackleton, it was interesting to read something that shows him other situations. Also reassuring to read of his generosity of spirit - both in throwing support behind Mawson's expedition, and in welcoming the news that it was Amundsen who reached to pole (hope that's not a spoiler!), rather than a Brit.
Most of all, I felt for Amundsen, who was made out to be a villain for daring to 'race for the pole' rather than wait for Scott to have a go before starting his journey. The public reaction needs to be considered in its cultural context, which in itself is interesting, but I have to hope we would be more open minded in the 21st century!
In terms of leadership, lessons included the need to plan (plan, plan and plan some more); to take the advice of experts and not be overwhelmed by what people think should be the case because it seems more fitting (e.g. Scott's view that it was more noble to man-haul a sled than to use some other form of locomotion such as ponies or dogs); the need to reassess plans when circumstances change, and also the need to stick to plans that were made for good reason when challenges arise; and the need to lead from the front.
January 29, 2013
Peter FitzSimons has an unusual writing style: it comes across as a third person diary entry and is hard to get your head around initially. However, he covers a fascinating and awe-inspiring period of history and the many personalities and events associated with it with great detail and fluency which keeps you engaged despite the hefty weight of this tome. Individuals are profiled, trivial and significant events detailed and the huge accomplishments of Douglas Mawson - a real Australian hero - and his contemporaries are woven together to make a fairly good book. I was not won over by what I saw as the author's attempts to encourage sympathy for Captain Scott and felt that the unusual writing style a help and a hindrance at different stages of the book. A more specific focus on Mawson would have been more appropriate considering the author's stated belief that Mawson is under-recognised for his contribution and his failure to fully establish how Mawson's expeditions were significant in the overall scheme of Antarctic and scientific discovery. Antarctic and exploration enthusiasts will find this a good read which passes the time without making any major revelations or presenting substantial evidence.
December 27, 2015
Extensively researched, but written with a light touch. The travails of Scott vs. Amundsen as to which would reach the South Pole first have been thoroughly documented, but still. Amundsen with his dog team vs. Scott with his ponies (because dogs weren't on, old sport - seriously, WTF?) and the motor vehicles which immediately seized and fell into the nearest crevasse. No contest.
And then Mawson - an Australian explorer and scientist, who definitely had the best time of it, and at least got to the Southern Magnetic Pole first! Here is one of his team's first encounters with the Adele penguins.
A far more benign presence are the local penguins, which are particularly attracted to the sound of the men roaring out songs and nursery rhymes. "She has rings on her fingers and bells on her toes, and she shall have music wherever she goes," the men bellow out to the besuited birds, who excitedly huddle together on the floe to hear the full gala performance. Alas, when soloist Meares, for an encore, proceeds to launch into 'God Save the King', the penguins' response is less positive. As one, the previously fascinated group waddles off and dives headlong into the water. Sigh. Everyone's a critic....
And then Mawson - an Australian explorer and scientist, who definitely had the best time of it, and at least got to the Southern Magnetic Pole first! Here is one of his team's first encounters with the Adele penguins.
A far more benign presence are the local penguins, which are particularly attracted to the sound of the men roaring out songs and nursery rhymes. "She has rings on her fingers and bells on her toes, and she shall have music wherever she goes," the men bellow out to the besuited birds, who excitedly huddle together on the floe to hear the full gala performance. Alas, when soloist Meares, for an encore, proceeds to launch into 'God Save the King', the penguins' response is less positive. As one, the previously fascinated group waddles off and dives headlong into the water. Sigh. Everyone's a critic....
September 17, 2014
Fitzsimons always writes a well researched, fascinating book. I just wish they were not so dull at times at the start.
Regardless, the books he writes are always informative and fascinating by the time you get well into them, and as always, I enjoy them truly by the time I get to the end.
Regardless, the books he writes are always informative and fascinating by the time you get well into them, and as always, I enjoy them truly by the time I get to the end.
July 31, 2016
Awesome naration of the conquest (and failures) of south pole! Story of pride, nature, humble man.. It has it all..
January 2, 2024
What a great book, showing how brave these men were.
September 18, 2019
Loved this book. True adventure!!
June 10, 2021
A fascinating biography of Douglas Mawson, who was a part of Shackleton's Nimrod expedition and later led his own Australian expedition from 1911-1914.
The book also covers in some detail the expeditions of Captain Scott, Ernest Shackleton and Roald Amunsden, from start to finish, whether the expeditions ended in tragedy or success.
I knew nothing about Mawson before listening to this biography and I am glad to have changed that situation.
Mawson really was a remarkable man and I gained a lot of admiration for him in the course of this book.
I also felt more empathy for Scott and his party than I previously had, due to hearing of the horrific conditions they had to endure, even if there were errors made in the planning and execution of the march to the pole.
I enjoyed all aspects of the book, even tbe sections covering Scott, Shackleton and Amunsden's expeditions which I knew quite a bit about. Despite that knowledge I still learnt a great deal of new information.
I listened to this via audiobook and very much enjoyed both Paul English's narration and FitzSimons' writing style, which left me gripped and immersed in the experiences of each expedition.
As is to be expected with the harsh realities of arctic life, the book often describes in graphic detail, the privations, physical decline and necessary actions which might be seen as cruel or horrific to modern eyes.
Some of these include the killing and butchering of dogs and ponies for meat, the soles of Mawson's feet detaching during his solo march, and the deaths of Ninnis, Mertz, Scott and his team, and some readers might find these events and descriptions upsetting, disturbing or difficult to stomach.
I heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in Douglas Mawson and his contemporaries in the "Heroic" Age of Polar Exploration.
The book also covers in some detail the expeditions of Captain Scott, Ernest Shackleton and Roald Amunsden, from start to finish, whether the expeditions ended in tragedy or success.
I knew nothing about Mawson before listening to this biography and I am glad to have changed that situation.
Mawson really was a remarkable man and I gained a lot of admiration for him in the course of this book.
I also felt more empathy for Scott and his party than I previously had, due to hearing of the horrific conditions they had to endure, even if there were errors made in the planning and execution of the march to the pole.
I enjoyed all aspects of the book, even tbe sections covering Scott, Shackleton and Amunsden's expeditions which I knew quite a bit about. Despite that knowledge I still learnt a great deal of new information.
I listened to this via audiobook and very much enjoyed both Paul English's narration and FitzSimons' writing style, which left me gripped and immersed in the experiences of each expedition.
As is to be expected with the harsh realities of arctic life, the book often describes in graphic detail, the privations, physical decline and necessary actions which might be seen as cruel or horrific to modern eyes.
Some of these include the killing and butchering of dogs and ponies for meat, the soles of Mawson's feet detaching during his solo march, and the deaths of Ninnis, Mertz, Scott and his team, and some readers might find these events and descriptions upsetting, disturbing or difficult to stomach.
I heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in Douglas Mawson and his contemporaries in the "Heroic" Age of Polar Exploration.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2020
A really excellent book, which sets the Antarctic career of Douglas Mawson alongside those of Shackleton and Scott, and, in a smaller way, Amundsen, since either they served together or, later, their most notable expeditions ran in parallel with one another. It's a very comprehensive book, bringing in the backgrounds to the expeditions, spouses, and social mores - such as the disdain in which 'colonials' were held by the British, and the sense of Amundsen not playing fair with his dash for the Pole.
Some of the retellings, particularly of Mawson's and of Scott's most famous expeditions, are quite haunting and bluntly graphic. Thus we learn about the skin of Mawson's scrotum wearing away, the soles of his feet detaching, of cleaning up men suffering from extreme diarrhoea, and the gun shot sound of the dead Scott's arm breaking as the doctor attempted to lay him out for the last rites.
Occasionally the writer's tone, using interjections which echo a perky, Bertie Wooster style early C20th of speech, gets a little tiring or seems inappropriate for the gravity of the subject. On the whole, though, this is a comprehensively researched, lovingly written exploration of those great days of Antarctic discovery and tragedy. Snippets of Mawson's loving long distance relationship with his fiancée are particularly touching. A great book to ground one in this era.
Some of the retellings, particularly of Mawson's and of Scott's most famous expeditions, are quite haunting and bluntly graphic. Thus we learn about the skin of Mawson's scrotum wearing away, the soles of his feet detaching, of cleaning up men suffering from extreme diarrhoea, and the gun shot sound of the dead Scott's arm breaking as the doctor attempted to lay him out for the last rites.
Occasionally the writer's tone, using interjections which echo a perky, Bertie Wooster style early C20th of speech, gets a little tiring or seems inappropriate for the gravity of the subject. On the whole, though, this is a comprehensively researched, lovingly written exploration of those great days of Antarctic discovery and tragedy. Snippets of Mawson's loving long distance relationship with his fiancée are particularly touching. A great book to ground one in this era.
December 19, 2019
I throughly enjoyed this epic read from Peter Fitzsimmons. Just as I felt like I sailed on the Batavia, was present at the Eureka Stockade and went exploring with Burke and Wills; reading this comprehensive and throughly interesting book made me feel like I too was travelling to Antarctica with Shackleton, then Scott and finally the great man himself, Australian Douglas Mawson. Including all three explorers and the race to reach the South Pole made the book far more interesting than a book about Mawson alone would have, given the context it added.
The level of research that goes into Fitzsimons’ books is nothing short of phenomenal. It is the first hand accounts that he and his team have found that turn what could easily end up being another dry account of Australian history, into a story that is so lifelike, so interesting and so engaging that you won’t want to put it down. As someone who has always wanted to travel to Antarctica, this book was like a vicarious holiday as the writing is so descriptive that I could easily picture myself going through the trials and tribulations of one of the harshest climates on earth.
A five star read, but not a short one at seven hundred and thirty seven pages; it is a must read for non-fiction, history and exploration lovers.
The level of research that goes into Fitzsimons’ books is nothing short of phenomenal. It is the first hand accounts that he and his team have found that turn what could easily end up being another dry account of Australian history, into a story that is so lifelike, so interesting and so engaging that you won’t want to put it down. As someone who has always wanted to travel to Antarctica, this book was like a vicarious holiday as the writing is so descriptive that I could easily picture myself going through the trials and tribulations of one of the harshest climates on earth.
A five star read, but not a short one at seven hundred and thirty seven pages; it is a must read for non-fiction, history and exploration lovers.
February 17, 2025
I was warned about FitzSimons' writing style in an Amazon review of his account of the Batavia shipwreck. I took it on board (no pun intended), and purchased another author's account instead. Now that I've read FitzSimons' book about Mawson, I'm glad I experienced the Batavia story through another author's words, and wish I'd done the same here.returnreturnThe subject matter is compelling on its own and was enough to get me through this astonishingly large volume (perhaps it's the edition I have, but this thing is huge). It's a poorly chosen title, however, as I didn't feel Mawson was the central figure as it implies. Rather, he was one of a group of extraordinarily courageous men who explored the Antarctic.returnreturnFitzSimons' writing, however, is intensely irritating. His frequent interjections of "don't you know" and "old chap" are distracting to say the least. I presume it's meant to be jolly, and friendly maybe, a way of pulling the reader in to the way people spoke in those days, but it comes off (to me) as being disrespectful mimicry. This is serious stuff, not to be mocked in any way, and clearly I missed whatever point the author was trying to make by doing this.returnreturnShort version: fascinating story, but the author's personality got in the way of it for me.
May 30, 2024
This lengthy book (681 pages of text) reviews multiple expeditions to Antarctica in the early 1900's by British, Australian, and Norwegian teams. One of the leaders - Scott (British) reached the South Pole (after the Norwegians) but died on the trip back to his home base. Shackleton (British) died during a follow-up visit to the continent. Amundsen (Norwegian) died in a plane crash near the Arctic circle off Norway; and his body was never found. Only Douglas Mawson (the Australian) survived his 2 Antarctica trips (but just barely); but he did the most scientific research during his two visits - far more than any of the other explorers. Mawson is only one to have lived to an old age - in his 70's. Great detail of each explorer's experiences - maybe a little too much detail to go on almost 700 pages.
August 31, 2024
I've read several of PF books over the years and enjoyed them all. but I'm a little disappointed with this one.
First, for me the title seems to be a little misleading as the book is more about Scott, Shackleton and later Amundsen, than Mawson.
A better title would have been just "The Ice Men of the Herioc Age" , not "MAWSON: and the Ice Men of the Herioc Age..." By having the emphasis on MAWSON (in caps) in the title it gives the impression that the book is more about him than the others.
Secondly, it's long winded and there's only so many times you can read about the preparations of the various expeditions before it becomes bogged down in repetition and I've found myself starting to skip through this as well as other sections.
For me this book started out well, but then it just got bogged down by all the other charactors, both major and minor, taking over the story.
First, for me the title seems to be a little misleading as the book is more about Scott, Shackleton and later Amundsen, than Mawson.
A better title would have been just "The Ice Men of the Herioc Age" , not "MAWSON: and the Ice Men of the Herioc Age..." By having the emphasis on MAWSON (in caps) in the title it gives the impression that the book is more about him than the others.
Secondly, it's long winded and there's only so many times you can read about the preparations of the various expeditions before it becomes bogged down in repetition and I've found myself starting to skip through this as well as other sections.
For me this book started out well, but then it just got bogged down by all the other charactors, both major and minor, taking over the story.
July 20, 2025
I had anticipated reading this book for a long time.
Well researched account, but quite a lot more about Shackleton than Mawson. The “author’s” (journalist) overly theatrical, superficial writing style struck the wrong tone for me. Far too much of his own personality, and lack of objectivity and fact, was interjected throughout the book.
I found it intensely irritating, completely unsuited to a historical work of such an important nature. I have several other historical accounts of his that I have yet to read and hope they are not like this one.
A good book overall, only when you can overlook and ignore the unnecessary drama and overused italicisation and shouty excessive exclamation points. ‘Mawson’ is supposed to be a factual account, yet at times it came across as (no surprise) a media broadcast or a novel due to the writer’s background.
Having just finished Shackleton’s own diary, which was a perfect blend of engagingly and evocatively written fact and science and poetic description which captured the harsh beauty of the Antarctic landscape and the men’s spirit of adventure, ‘Mawson’ paled in comparison.
Well researched account, but quite a lot more about Shackleton than Mawson. The “author’s” (journalist) overly theatrical, superficial writing style struck the wrong tone for me. Far too much of his own personality, and lack of objectivity and fact, was interjected throughout the book.
I found it intensely irritating, completely unsuited to a historical work of such an important nature. I have several other historical accounts of his that I have yet to read and hope they are not like this one.
A good book overall, only when you can overlook and ignore the unnecessary drama and overused italicisation and shouty excessive exclamation points. ‘Mawson’ is supposed to be a factual account, yet at times it came across as (no surprise) a media broadcast or a novel due to the writer’s background.
Having just finished Shackleton’s own diary, which was a perfect blend of engagingly and evocatively written fact and science and poetic description which captured the harsh beauty of the Antarctic landscape and the men’s spirit of adventure, ‘Mawson’ paled in comparison.
April 15, 2018
What an amazing book! FitzSimons has done it again and I truly enjoyed another one of his books. If I didn't know it was true I would have thought it was made up for a movie as there were times when I just couldn't put it down!
I learned a lot about these heroic men and about Antarctica. Although I would love to see the beautiful colors in the ice and Mt Erebus, I would never be able to venture there. The loneliness and the danger found there would be too much for me.
We often "poo-poo" people that ask for money so they can send Man into space, to explore the planets, etc, but that is just what these men had to do to explore the last continent or to reach the South Pole.
I learned a lot about these heroic men and about Antarctica. Although I would love to see the beautiful colors in the ice and Mt Erebus, I would never be able to venture there. The loneliness and the danger found there would be too much for me.
We often "poo-poo" people that ask for money so they can send Man into space, to explore the planets, etc, but that is just what these men had to do to explore the last continent or to reach the South Pole.
February 7, 2020
Riveting.
The book has its favourite; Mawson.
The man can do no wrong.
Scott comes under much greater critical scrutiny (much deserved to my mind)
Mawson achieved the one thing Scott failed to do by coming back alive (by the skin of his teeth)
Mawson and Scott were similar in the fact their tent mates ended up dead.
Amundsen is just too successful to be very interesting so only really comes into view when pointing out Scott's failings.
Shackleton has plenty of page space but his great adventure is out of this books timeline.
This are really minor points and I am nitpicking.
The book romps along at a "boy's own" pace and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The book has its favourite; Mawson.
The man can do no wrong.
Scott comes under much greater critical scrutiny (much deserved to my mind)
Mawson achieved the one thing Scott failed to do by coming back alive (by the skin of his teeth)
Mawson and Scott were similar in the fact their tent mates ended up dead.
Amundsen is just too successful to be very interesting so only really comes into view when pointing out Scott's failings.
Shackleton has plenty of page space but his great adventure is out of this books timeline.
This are really minor points and I am nitpicking.
The book romps along at a "boy's own" pace and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 23, 2017
Really enjoy the way Peter FitzSimons brings together the triumphs and tragedies of these explorers to paint a clear picture of what was occurring (in terms of exploration) around that period, while still providing exceptional detail.
I also enjoy the way the author injects his personal views on specific/key points, such as the type of equipment preferred by expedition leaders etc. His style of writing also appeals to me.
A lengthy book, but for me who has always been intrigued by these types of feats, a fantastic read that I couldn’t put down.
I also enjoy the way the author injects his personal views on specific/key points, such as the type of equipment preferred by expedition leaders etc. His style of writing also appeals to me.
A lengthy book, but for me who has always been intrigued by these types of feats, a fantastic read that I couldn’t put down.
October 20, 2021
I enjoyed this more than I anticipated, although some parts, of necessity, tended to be heavy on the coordinates, measurements, and other details, overall it was well written and at some parts felt more like reading a novel than a biographical, non-fiction book.
Mawson himself seems less well known (certainly here in the UK) than it seems like he deserves, as does Amundsen, whilst I was already much more aware of Scott, Shackleton, and of course, Captain Oates, and this book definitely helps the balance this out.
Mawson himself seems less well known (certainly here in the UK) than it seems like he deserves, as does Amundsen, whilst I was already much more aware of Scott, Shackleton, and of course, Captain Oates, and this book definitely helps the balance this out.
June 1, 2025
An important read for Aussies and anyone. Quite a tome, the research and organisation that must have gone into this by Peter is mind blowing. A key feature is the disciplined and chronological unfolding by each of these explorers and their teams. This gives an amazing understanding of exactly what was happening concurrently in different parts of the Antarctic and the world by all those involved.
The detail in the unfolding of the trials, endurance, perils and tragedies gave me a new and much clearer appreciation of each of these campaigns.
The detail in the unfolding of the trials, endurance, perils and tragedies gave me a new and much clearer appreciation of each of these campaigns.
November 11, 2025
I had the pleasure of reading this post my introduction to Mawson via Alone on the Ice.
Mawson was a THE man among men. Leader, academic, explorer, Aussie battler. If you are a fan of the golden age of Antarctic exploration, this book is a must. I fully appreciated the chronological narrating of the multiple expeditions and attempts on the Pole. Shackleton & Scott then Mawson’s Australian Antarctic Expedtion. An outstanding tour de force and was sad to close the book and a window into a different age and a different breed of explorer.
Mawson was a THE man among men. Leader, academic, explorer, Aussie battler. If you are a fan of the golden age of Antarctic exploration, this book is a must. I fully appreciated the chronological narrating of the multiple expeditions and attempts on the Pole. Shackleton & Scott then Mawson’s Australian Antarctic Expedtion. An outstanding tour de force and was sad to close the book and a window into a different age and a different breed of explorer.
July 22, 2018
Fantastic book. The Epilogue mentions that it involved thousands of hours of research and thousands of primary sources which were drawn upon, including letters, diaries, books and newspapers articles - and this is what helps make it a monumental book. The author also mentions his research in libraries around the world. Antarctic exploration by the British, Australians, New Zealanders and Europeans in the early 1900s is really fascinating. What they went through and human resilience is amazing.
August 2, 2019
The story of the less known fourth great antarctic explorer from the heroic era of the early twentieth century polar explorers. The two expeditions in which Mawson participated, one with Shackleton and the other one on their own, are set into the context of the Amundsen-Scott's race to reach the South Pole.
June 9, 2020
This is not my usual genre, but was lent to me by a friend. The story of the race for the South Pole, is laid out in all its exciting and at times, tragic glory. Not for the fainthearted (and don't read while eating), it is the astonishing story of Scott, Shackleton, Amundsen and Mawson and their push for the South Pole and scientific discovery.
January 17, 2022
A great read if you go for the “John Howard” type version of Australian history. A populist superficial effort which could not have been conjured together without the vigorous use of Google and Wikipedia. The author points out the arrogance of the English towards the colonial Mawson but he himself gives scarce attention to Amundsen, the real hero of the South Pole. An empty airport read….
May 4, 2019
Well enjoyed by my husband Very well narrated. My husband loves all books which are full of exploration and adventure especially by those who struggled and risked their lives to discover places never before explored so this book was right up his street.
Simply excellent and highly recommended.
Simply excellent and highly recommended.
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