1912: The Year the World Discovered Antarctica

by Chris Turney

An in-depth exploration of the innovative science and intrepid spirit behind the expeditions that led to the discovery of Antarctica. On March 8, 1912, the front page of The Daily Chronicle trumpeted “The South Pole discovered,” marking Roald Amundsen’s triumph over the tragic Robert Scott. Yet behind all the headlines there was a much bigger story. Antarctica was awash with expeditions. In 1912, five teams representing the old and new world were diligently embarking on scientific exploration beyond the edge of the known planet. Their discoveries not only enthralled the world, but changed our understanding of the planet forever. Tales of endurance, self-sacrifice, and technological innovation became the stuff of legends, while laying the groundwork for future scientific endeavors. First published to celebrate the centenary of this groundbreaking work, 1912: The Year the World Discovered Antarctica revisits the exploits of these different expeditions. Drawing on his own polar experience, Chris Turney looks beyond the now-famous personalities to demonstrate how their discoveries marked the dawn of a new age in our understanding of the natural world. With unprecedented access to original documents and unpublished archival material, Turney weaves a detailed history together with contemporary scientific findings to show how we might reawaken the public’s passion for discovery and exploration.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Science, World History, Nature, Adventure, 20th Century

358 pages, Hardcover

First published July 25, 2012

About the author

Professor Chris Turney is an Australian and British Earth scientist. He has recently completed a prestigious Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship at the University of New South Wales. He has published over 200 research papers. At 47 years, Chris has been described by The Saturday Times (UK) as ‘the new David Livingstone’.

In 2013-2014, Chris led the Australasian Antarctic Expedition which aimed to extend over a hundred years of scientific endeavour in the region and communicate the value of science and exploration of this remote and pristine environment (www.spiritofmawson.com). Chris' latest book 'Iced In' (published in North America by Kensington Press) describes the latest scientific thinking from the frozen continent and the expedition's entrapment by a major breakout of decade-old sea ice during the Christmas period. Chronicling the team's discoveries and experiences, 'Iced In' revisits famed polar explorer Ernest Shackleton's harrowing Antarctic expedition almost a century before when his ship, Endurance, was trapped and ultimately lost to the ice, forcing his team to fight for survival on a vast and treacherous icescape for two years.

Chris leads a research team at the University of New South Wales and is passionate about science communication. He regularly contributes articles to the media on the discoveries and value of science and has give numerous media interviews. Taking expeditions around the world and using the latest satellite technology, Chris and his team report their discoveries under the banner of 'Intrepid Science'. In 2007, he was awarded The Sir Nicholas Shackleton Medal for outstanding young scientist for pioneering research and in 2014, the Australian Academy of Science's Frederick White Prize for the understanding of natural phenomena.

Chris is the inventor and a founding Director of Carbonscape, a New Zealand carbon refining company that offers a global solution for mitigating the effects of climate change; in 2009, it was selected as the Judges Top Choice in the Financial Times Climate Change Challenge and in 2012 came runner up in the International Dutch Postcode Lottery Green Challenge.

Chris is married and has two gorgeous children.

Reviews

[Abra Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an overview of the many (6) expeditions to Antarctica that occurred in the years 1910-1912 including Scott (American), Amundsen (Norwegian), Filchner (German), Shackleton (British), Shirase (Japanese), and Mawson (Australiasian). The book provides an overview of each of the expeditions as well as providing the scientific information found during each which demonstrate the richness of Antarctic history and flora and fauna. I was reading this on an ebook so had to pull up maps that I could read to follow along as to where these expeditions were taking place. Planning to go to Antarctica soon, I found this book to be so interesting. I've read books on some of the expeditions discussed here in the past but this book does a good job of pulling it all together and providing the timeline as to when the expeditions were occurring and a sense of the world-wide excitement regarding exploration at the time! Turney emphasizes the point that science is fascinating and that scientists need to do a better job of communicating all the things that they study and discover which I completely agree! I'm interested in reading more from Turney!

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall very happy with this read, as it was a quick intro to the major Antarctic expeditions of the pre-WW2 years. Having read so many historians’ interpretations of the Scott expedition, it was refreshing to have a scientist’s take on it all. Turney has done a great job of piecing together all the research that was done by the early Antarcticans, and explaining its extraordinary benefits and insights in layman’s terms. I particularly liked his final remarks on how in the 21st century we are better equipped than ever to harness the public’s interest in scientific discoveries.

My only major criticism is that there weren’t enough maps in the right places! Turney makes a lot of references to South Georgia, which unfortunately wasn’t marked on the 1912 vs 2012 maps on pp. 280-281. It would have been great to have small visual reminders within each chapter regarding where exploration took place, and in reference to the other expeditions occurring at the same time.

[Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, a good mix of narrative and history. The pictures were amazing.

The major drawback is that there are not enough maps (each chapter really should have had its own) and those provided aren't detailed enough. Some of the 1912 references to various features were not shown on the map. This primarily is a book about adventure and exploration so maps are key!

While the narrative made for lively and easy reading it left me wanting more detail (both gory and scientific), unfortunately leaving this book in the light weight pop-science category rather than as a serious historical tome. Though as a positive of its lighter nature I could safely recommend this book to anyone with a high school reading age.

[Jostein Moen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book, encompassing all Antarctic expeditions touching 1912. But the author displays the old anglo-saxon grudge against Amundsen and the Norwegian team who beat Scott in the quest for the South Pole. Apparently, the Norwegian expedition wasn't scientific enough. So why don't they criticize Edmund Hillary for not being very scientific on Mont Everest? Well, he was just the first, he won, and that's fine because he represented the Empire.

[Janita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am obsessed with all things Antarctic and I have to say that this book covers a lot of material I have never read before. It compiles a lot of information in a useful way. For example, it dedicates a chapter each to the different expeditions to Antarctica from different nationalities...German, English, Norwegian, Japanese and Australian. This makes it easy to see how each nationality approached the Antarctic with a different cultural viewpoint, which made for some fascinating insights. A very well rounded book with an extensive bibliography, pointing the way to further reading. Very satisfying read.

[Tim Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent account of five expeditions to Antarctica in and around 1912. Some phenomenal danger, adventure and science in the mix, beyond the obvious headline-grabbing dashes to the South Pole. Someone should make a movie of Douglas Mawson's Australian expedition, with its death and suffering but also its scientific triumphs.

[K · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars. This is one of those books that faked me out about whether or not it was ending like 3 times or I might have rounded up. It did summarize a lot of expeditions but not in ways that left me with anything but vague impressions of either the expeditions or what made 1912 particularly important.

[Bob Gustafson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very informative and is easy reading. Just one note for potential readers: The map that should have been in the introductory chapter is in the closing chapter. Find it, place a bookmark and go back to the beginning.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lost this book for a while. Opps.
Was a good read and gives you lots to think about. How anyone survived in Antarctica over one hundred years ago is beyond me.

[Carole · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didnt finish it, didnt hold my interest

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband enjoyed this book and highly recommends it. Well worth the money as it kept him quiet and out from under my feet :) :)

[Stuart Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good behind the scenes about the various expeditions to the Antarctic in the early part of the 20th century.

[Sarah F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent summary - the stories are so inspiring. A good introduction to Antarctica and the explorers who risked their lives for science.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're into Antarctic exploration, particularly around 1912, you'll love this.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

completely fascinating--the author did a fabulous job of researching including gaining access to information not previously available.

[peter lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking

On the whole it's an good book, what made it excellent was the final section dealing with the Scott expedition.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating and informative account of the various Polar expeditions which were mounted in 1912 and the period around those years.

I knew a lot about the more well known expeditions of Scott, Shackleton and Mawson but was very pleased to learn about lesser known expeditions such as those of Japan and Germany.

A very good book, which I listened to via audiobook. I didn't initially enjoy the narrator's style but slowly adjusted to it.

[4ZZZ Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace interviewed Chris Turney about his new book, 1912: The Year the World Discovered Antarctica, which delves into the history of Antarctic scientific research and exploration. One hundred years ago, five different expeditions from teams around the globe headed to Antarctica in hopes of reaching the South Pole for the first time, mapping unknown territory, making a contribution to science - and occasionally punching penguins in the face. On the centenary of these historic expeditions, Chris Turney’s book highlights the dramatic stories of these scientists and adventurers. Originally broadcast on The Book Club on 30/08/2012.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

1912 was not the year Antarctica was found, but when a significant number of expeditions were undertaken to begin understanding the continent.

Fascinating book of the several efforts. It spurred me to spend a fair amount of time on google-earth and with Nat Geo maps of Antarctica to peruse.

The biggest weakness of the account is a lack of simple maps throughout the text to show where each expedition was headed.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book so interesting because I didn't know very much about Antarctica or about the explorations that made it known. Turney follows a variety of teams as they explore and discover different parts of the continent. He gives lots of context for the explorations and even discusses what happens to the most well-known names after their exploring days were over. Not a quick read, but an engaging, informative one.

[sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read for the polar history novice with enough to keep even a hard core fan like myself interested. Turney's prose is rather workmanlike but he does a good job putting all the various threads from this historic year into perspective.

[Standup2p]

This will not be a cover to cover read for me.
I was thinking last night that KickStart isn't exactly a new phenomenon- these polar expeditions were funded in much the same way.
Found the anise of the local wildlife by the Japanese interesting.

[Richard Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book for anyone wanting to know the how of Antarctica exploration. Good scientific content. Turney brings the quest for knowledge to life. Too bad the American contribution is absent. But, in 1912, focus was elsewhere.

[Jeffrey]

Since I was going to Antarctica, I wanted get an understanding of the expeditions that sacrificed so much. This was a good all around book.

[Philip Monroe · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book, just wish for more maps.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing well written and concise history of early Antarctic exploration. An inspiring read.

[Gerry Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific and exciting!

[karen g.l. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 — needs more maps

if anyone wants to talk about Antarctica in 1912 I now have a boatload of Antarctica facts with nowhere to go 🧍🏻‍♀️