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The Coldest March: Scott's Fatal Antarctic Expedition
“These rough notes and our dead bodies must tell the tale.” So penned Captain Robert Falcon Scott in 1912 as he confronted defeat and death in the crippling subzero temperatures of Antarctica. In this riveting book, Susan Solomon finishes the interrupted tale of Scott and his British expedition, depicting the staggering 900-mile trek to the South Pole and resolving the debate over the journey’s failure.
“An absorbing, fascinating read . . . a book that will appeal to the explorer in everyone.”—Sally Ride
“Solomon argues her case well, in exact and graceful prose.”—Dennis Drabelle, Washington Post Book World
“Persuasive. . . . [Solomon] reaches important new conclusions about Scott’s expedition.”—Sara Wheeler, New York Times Book Review
“Brilliant. . . . A marvelous and complex book: at once a detective story, a brilliant vindication of a maligned man, and an elegy both for Scott and his men and for the ‘crystalline continent’ on which they died.”—Robert MacFarlane, Guardian
“Solomon has crafted a smart, terrific book and an important addition to polar history.”—Roberta MacInnis, Houston Chronicle
“An absorbing, fascinating read . . . a book that will appeal to the explorer in everyone.”—Sally Ride
“Solomon argues her case well, in exact and graceful prose.”—Dennis Drabelle, Washington Post Book World
“Persuasive. . . . [Solomon] reaches important new conclusions about Scott’s expedition.”—Sara Wheeler, New York Times Book Review
“Brilliant. . . . A marvelous and complex book: at once a detective story, a brilliant vindication of a maligned man, and an elegy both for Scott and his men and for the ‘crystalline continent’ on which they died.”—Robert MacFarlane, Guardian
“Solomon has crafted a smart, terrific book and an important addition to polar history.”—Roberta MacInnis, Houston Chronicle
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 22, 2018
Sound as a dollar, she's convinced me that poor Scott was just damned unlucky with the weather.
July 20, 2014
I was waiting to read a book about Scott's South Pole expedition because I wanted to find a book that would try to portray him honestly instead of weighing the facts either toward pure hero or bumbling fool. I also wanted to avoid a book that would pit British/hero vs Norwegian/villain. Ultimately I just ended up grabbing the one book on Scott from the small polar exploration section of the library shelves.
Thankfully, Susan Solomon was the perfect person to write this book. She is a scientist who has worked in Antarctica, so she was able to meld current scientific knowledge with the known story of the expedition in order to convey not only the story but also an understanding of the conditions faced. While she focused on scientific detail, she also weaves a compelling narrative, including a contrast between the conditions of Antarctic explorers at the turn of the century and Antarctic explorers today.
Thankfully, Susan Solomon was the perfect person to write this book. She is a scientist who has worked in Antarctica, so she was able to meld current scientific knowledge with the known story of the expedition in order to convey not only the story but also an understanding of the conditions faced. While she focused on scientific detail, she also weaves a compelling narrative, including a contrast between the conditions of Antarctic explorers at the turn of the century and Antarctic explorers today.
January 27, 2013
The Coldest March, by Susan Solomon revisits the often maligned Robert Falcon Scott Expedition to the South Pole mounted from 1910 through 1912, but from a much different point of view than that held by the current purveyors of conventional historical wisdom. An atmospheric scientist, Dr. Solomon analyzes the expedition’s detailed log books, scientific records, the writings of the survivors of the venture, and the writings of the men who accompanied Scott on his final and fatal drive to the Pole. She also carefully examines each of Scott’s mistakes, mistakes that he himself notes in nearly every case, mistakes that his critics have contended were fatal and an indication of his incompetence, and she follows their effects on the actual conduct of the mission. Dr. Solomon comes to conclusions that largely discredit Scott’s critics and also shed new light on the vast amount of new scientific information Scott’s large expedition accumulated. She shows that Scott and his scientific team were in fact scientists first and adventures second.
Scott’s critics, viewing events through the crystal clear lens of hindsight, point out errors that were real but not fatal. They are the normal mistakes that one makes as a decision maker in a complex situation. Oftentimes, Scott was the first to point out his errors himself, in his own journals and diaries. The bumbler and fool depicted by most modern historians of these events would never recognize his own mistakes, much less acknowledge them. His errors were no more than those of any ship’s captain who makes minor logistical mistakes during the course of a long voyage, all of which become irrelevant if the ship is struck by a typhoon. The “ship” of Scott’s final trek was sunk because of ghastly weather, not minor errors in provisioning and equipment.
While not seeking to diminish his achievement, Amundsen’s expedition was a simple flag and footprints effort, with little attention paid to anything other than making it to the Pole and back again. It was well planned and well equipped to do that, but in no respect equaled the scientific ambitions and achievements of Scott’s efforts. That being said, it is important to remember that Amundsen’s success was largely due to his respect for and consultation with Inuits and Laplanders who had the experience and knowledge borne of centuries of cultural survival an arctic environment. The favorable outcome resulting from Amundsen’s choice of practical experience over science and technology confirms the validity of his decision.
At the time when Amundsen and Scott were racing to the Pole, Great Britain was the premier imperial power in the world. The British Empire spanned the globe while British science and technology was recognized as second to none. Coming from such a background, Scott would have been inhuman not to lean heavily on the tried and true methods established in an earlier expedition when he and Ernest Shackleton made it to 82 degrees south and later by Shackleton again, who made it to 87.5 degrees south. Both were British projects and Scott was naturally inclined to trust his own judgment and that of his own kind of men over any other. In addition, the scientific goals and accomplishments of the expedition were so numerous and varied, that the actual assault on the Pole seems almost an afterthought, a necessary concession to the backers of the venture.
Herself a polar explorer and world renowned atmospheric scientist, I can think of no contemporary author more qualified to write this history of the Scott Expedition than Susan Solomon. Her conclusion, based upon temperature and wind measurements made by the explorers at the time and confirmed by comparison with data since collected by modern automatic weather stations, was that Scott’s return trip across the Ross Ice Shelf was battered by weather that not even skilled adventurers with modern equipment could have survived. If Scott’s group had experienced normal weather for the season, they most likely would have made it back to base handily. But they didn’t. Their trek experienced a one in fifteen year freak freeze that doomed them as certainly as it would have doomed Amundsen or anyone else who might have encountered it.
In addition to being thoroughly researched, well organized, and well written, this book has many fine maps and some heretofore unpublished photographs. Dr. Solomon has also prepared several excellent graphs comparing the temperatures and wind velocities experienced by the several polar expeditions of that period as well those recorded by modern instruments. I highly recommend this excellent book for anyone who wishes to get a clearer understanding of the Antarctic explorations in the early 20th century as well as an understanding of what the conditions are like seen from a modern viewpoint.
As a personal note, I was in London in 1973 and went aboard the Discovery, Scott’s ship on his first Antarctic expedition. Parked on the Thames, the ship had many documents and artifacts from the period of Antarctic exploration. At that time my only knowledge of Scott’s final expedition was from a PBS documentary that essentially depicted him as a disorganized incompetent. I vividly recall that the journals, detailed records, equipment and general impression one got of Scott in viewing his effects seemed in stark contrast to that notion, but I never really explored any further. This book vindicates the essentially visceral impression I had 40 years ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdVFXJ...
Scott’s critics, viewing events through the crystal clear lens of hindsight, point out errors that were real but not fatal. They are the normal mistakes that one makes as a decision maker in a complex situation. Oftentimes, Scott was the first to point out his errors himself, in his own journals and diaries. The bumbler and fool depicted by most modern historians of these events would never recognize his own mistakes, much less acknowledge them. His errors were no more than those of any ship’s captain who makes minor logistical mistakes during the course of a long voyage, all of which become irrelevant if the ship is struck by a typhoon. The “ship” of Scott’s final trek was sunk because of ghastly weather, not minor errors in provisioning and equipment.
While not seeking to diminish his achievement, Amundsen’s expedition was a simple flag and footprints effort, with little attention paid to anything other than making it to the Pole and back again. It was well planned and well equipped to do that, but in no respect equaled the scientific ambitions and achievements of Scott’s efforts. That being said, it is important to remember that Amundsen’s success was largely due to his respect for and consultation with Inuits and Laplanders who had the experience and knowledge borne of centuries of cultural survival an arctic environment. The favorable outcome resulting from Amundsen’s choice of practical experience over science and technology confirms the validity of his decision.
At the time when Amundsen and Scott were racing to the Pole, Great Britain was the premier imperial power in the world. The British Empire spanned the globe while British science and technology was recognized as second to none. Coming from such a background, Scott would have been inhuman not to lean heavily on the tried and true methods established in an earlier expedition when he and Ernest Shackleton made it to 82 degrees south and later by Shackleton again, who made it to 87.5 degrees south. Both were British projects and Scott was naturally inclined to trust his own judgment and that of his own kind of men over any other. In addition, the scientific goals and accomplishments of the expedition were so numerous and varied, that the actual assault on the Pole seems almost an afterthought, a necessary concession to the backers of the venture.
Herself a polar explorer and world renowned atmospheric scientist, I can think of no contemporary author more qualified to write this history of the Scott Expedition than Susan Solomon. Her conclusion, based upon temperature and wind measurements made by the explorers at the time and confirmed by comparison with data since collected by modern automatic weather stations, was that Scott’s return trip across the Ross Ice Shelf was battered by weather that not even skilled adventurers with modern equipment could have survived. If Scott’s group had experienced normal weather for the season, they most likely would have made it back to base handily. But they didn’t. Their trek experienced a one in fifteen year freak freeze that doomed them as certainly as it would have doomed Amundsen or anyone else who might have encountered it.
In addition to being thoroughly researched, well organized, and well written, this book has many fine maps and some heretofore unpublished photographs. Dr. Solomon has also prepared several excellent graphs comparing the temperatures and wind velocities experienced by the several polar expeditions of that period as well those recorded by modern instruments. I highly recommend this excellent book for anyone who wishes to get a clearer understanding of the Antarctic explorations in the early 20th century as well as an understanding of what the conditions are like seen from a modern viewpoint.
As a personal note, I was in London in 1973 and went aboard the Discovery, Scott’s ship on his first Antarctic expedition. Parked on the Thames, the ship had many documents and artifacts from the period of Antarctic exploration. At that time my only knowledge of Scott’s final expedition was from a PBS documentary that essentially depicted him as a disorganized incompetent. I vividly recall that the journals, detailed records, equipment and general impression one got of Scott in viewing his effects seemed in stark contrast to that notion, but I never really explored any further. This book vindicates the essentially visceral impression I had 40 years ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdVFXJ...
June 25, 2023
A compelling account of Robert Scott's tragic quest for the South Pole in 1912. Drawn primarily from diaries of the men in the party, together with copious meteorological data compiled during both the expedition and at modern-day Antarctic weather stations, the author provides an account and unbiased analysis of the personalities involved and the extreme hardships faced during Scott's expedition to be the first to reach the South Pole, one of the last unexplored places on Earth in 1912.
August 27, 2019
This is an excellent read, a very balanced account and analysis of Scott's Terra Nova expedition in terms of the weather encountered and the circumstances around the quest for the Pole. Susan Solomon has direct experience of Antarctica. being a research scientist, and understands the conditions encountered personally. I thought the accounts of the modern day life at McMurdo Base and the South Pole research center were an especially interesting and valuable addition to the story. They introduce many chapters in the book and are written as though from a male visitor's point of view but I took them as her own 'in disguise'. This book goes a long way to setting things right in terms of Captain Scott's reputation (along with Ranulph Fiennes excellent 'Captain Scott') which suffered much criticism from biographers in the 20th century. Thoroughly recommended and should be read along with Fiennes book and Appsley Cherry-Garrards on the Scott expedition of 1911-12.
June 3, 2013
Okay I finally made it through this book. It's not exactly a compelling read. Too many facts and figures for my taste.
The story of how Scott and his team froze to death attempting to become the first to arrive at the south pole has been told in many different books. It's a fascinating piece of history when told in an engaging manner.
This book is not one of those compelling books. If you're really into facts and figures about this story. Things like how many of what items where brought on the expedition, what the highs and lows were on different days, what qualifications each team member brought to the expedition..then this book would interest you.
The story of how Scott and his team froze to death attempting to become the first to arrive at the south pole has been told in many different books. It's a fascinating piece of history when told in an engaging manner.
This book is not one of those compelling books. If you're really into facts and figures about this story. Things like how many of what items where brought on the expedition, what the highs and lows were on different days, what qualifications each team member brought to the expedition..then this book would interest you.
August 24, 2008
Too much repititive weather data. Story of modern visitor experiences and parallel story line of Scott is very good and could be expanded on.
April 20, 2020
A marvelous read! Doctor Susan Solomon sets out to reexamine Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s ill-fated polar expedition of 1912
In an era where nationalism was discovering a new battlefield over the « firsts » of polar exploration, Captain Scott sailed for Antarctica with a juicy prize in his sights: the South Pole.
The rest is well-known. At the price of titanic efforts drawing on careful rationing and a logistical human pyramid, Captain Scott had a series of well-stocked depots paving the way across Antarctica.
Banking on clement weather, Captain Scott and his men set off in a mad dash to the pole. They reached it to realize Ronald Amundsen had beaten them there by a few days, claiming the glory of the first for Norway.
Adding insult to injury, the clement conditions Captain Scott had hoped for failed to materialize and he perished with his men on the return journey, barely a hundred miles from safety and having suffered every hardship and torture the coldest continent has to offer.
Thanks to the diaries of Captain Scott and his men, we know their story. It is a generally accepted view that the good captain sealed his own fate with a series of grotesque mistakes and a lack of scientific rigor, especially pertaining to weather forecasting, still in its infancy at the time.
Armed with decades of new meteorological data, Doctor Solomon’s fascinating book reveals there’s more than meets the eye to Captain Scott’s demise.
In an era where nationalism was discovering a new battlefield over the « firsts » of polar exploration, Captain Scott sailed for Antarctica with a juicy prize in his sights: the South Pole.
The rest is well-known. At the price of titanic efforts drawing on careful rationing and a logistical human pyramid, Captain Scott had a series of well-stocked depots paving the way across Antarctica.
Banking on clement weather, Captain Scott and his men set off in a mad dash to the pole. They reached it to realize Ronald Amundsen had beaten them there by a few days, claiming the glory of the first for Norway.
Adding insult to injury, the clement conditions Captain Scott had hoped for failed to materialize and he perished with his men on the return journey, barely a hundred miles from safety and having suffered every hardship and torture the coldest continent has to offer.
Thanks to the diaries of Captain Scott and his men, we know their story. It is a generally accepted view that the good captain sealed his own fate with a series of grotesque mistakes and a lack of scientific rigor, especially pertaining to weather forecasting, still in its infancy at the time.
Armed with decades of new meteorological data, Doctor Solomon’s fascinating book reveals there’s more than meets the eye to Captain Scott’s demise.
March 16, 2023
Very entertaining and captivating. Skilful writing from beginning to end. I like many of the points in defense of Scott and his humane side, but I don't believe we're reading a full picture here since in order to completely debunk the bumbler side of Scott's story, some not minor details are left out throughout. The book has a tendency, in my eyes, to try to proof the Captain's sensitivity and love for science as evidence of how he was not incompetent in what he set out to do, which are two completely different arguments that have nothing to do with each other.
From what I understand, a few inaccuracies can be found here and there as well, a potential one being using the apparently wrong dates from William Lashly's diary when depicting when exactly scurvy showed up in the last returning party, a discrepancy that exists between Cherry-Garrard's reproduction in his book of said diary and the actual diaries published in 1969. My perception of this book also can't help being affected by the ongoing debate about whether or not Solomon fabricated some of her data, of which there exists some evidence but I'm not fully informed on this regard.
All in all, the book is still quite enjoyable and it's an important part of the literature that exists surrounding this tale.
From what I understand, a few inaccuracies can be found here and there as well, a potential one being using the apparently wrong dates from William Lashly's diary when depicting when exactly scurvy showed up in the last returning party, a discrepancy that exists between Cherry-Garrard's reproduction in his book of said diary and the actual diaries published in 1969. My perception of this book also can't help being affected by the ongoing debate about whether or not Solomon fabricated some of her data, of which there exists some evidence but I'm not fully informed on this regard.
All in all, the book is still quite enjoyable and it's an important part of the literature that exists surrounding this tale.
Read
July 13, 2019The author provides data supporting her theory that Scott was not a error prone leader, and that an unexpected harsh weather caused his return party to slow down and eventually perish.
She is very sympathetic to Scott and his bravery, and despite mentioning his many judgmental mistakes, still thinks he could have returned alive but for the unusually extreme cold weather.
By doing it, Solomon does not emphasize enough the meticulous preparation for the same goal of the South Pole, and the extreme difficulties faced by Amundsen during the same time.
In short, still interesting reading, but did not convince me that Scott did not ‘bungle’ this mission.
Throughout his preparation and travel he was walking very thin margin of errors, almost losing human lives (including his own) before even starting for the South Pole in November 1911.
If he was to return safely he would have to be considered extremely lucky. Eventually the odds caught him.
She is very sympathetic to Scott and his bravery, and despite mentioning his many judgmental mistakes, still thinks he could have returned alive but for the unusually extreme cold weather.
By doing it, Solomon does not emphasize enough the meticulous preparation for the same goal of the South Pole, and the extreme difficulties faced by Amundsen during the same time.
In short, still interesting reading, but did not convince me that Scott did not ‘bungle’ this mission.
Throughout his preparation and travel he was walking very thin margin of errors, almost losing human lives (including his own) before even starting for the South Pole in November 1911.
If he was to return safely he would have to be considered extremely lucky. Eventually the odds caught him.
November 7, 2021
A fascinating follow-on to The Worst Journey in the World, a 1922 memoir by Apsley Cherry-Garrard of Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova fatal expedition to the South Pole in 1910–1913. Definitely read that book first for a complete picture. Then read Solomon. She examines the data and concludes that the calamity that befell Scott's South Pole party was probably due to highly unusual cold weather and that the decision by Scott's two companions to stick with him to the end may have been due to loyalty. If you are still wanting to read more thrilling stories about Antarctic exploration, the next book to pick up would be "Endurance", an inspiring 1959 book written by Alfred Lansing about the failure of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition led by Sir Ernest Shackleton.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2019
Although I have read most of the available books on Robert Scott's last antarctic expedition, this one added to my knowledge and understanding of what happened and why. I found the comparisons between Scott's expedition and modern day Antarctic travel both enlightening and disheartening, and honestly dreaded the back-and-forth-in-time aspect of this work. However, the interesting reflections on the effects of polar winds and weather (which have the benefit of years of data accumulated by man and machine), made up for any regrets I may have had about juxtaposing modern day science with Scott's historic march. Well done!
March 30, 2024
4.5
A fantastic tale of a group of scientists and explorers who sought to learn more about Antarctic ecology and to reach the South Pole. This book draws from the many diaries of the Victorian-era, (mainly) British explorers as they recorded the first meteorological data points on the Continent.
The diaries, figures, and photographs of the 1902 and 1912 expeditions of Captain Scott ushered the reader into the lives of the men who were exploring one of the last explored places on earth. This included the documents of the 1912 polar trek where a significant group of men set out to be the first humans to reach the South Pole, but ultimately never returned.
A fantastic tale of a group of scientists and explorers who sought to learn more about Antarctic ecology and to reach the South Pole. This book draws from the many diaries of the Victorian-era, (mainly) British explorers as they recorded the first meteorological data points on the Continent.
The diaries, figures, and photographs of the 1902 and 1912 expeditions of Captain Scott ushered the reader into the lives of the men who were exploring one of the last explored places on earth. This included the documents of the 1912 polar trek where a significant group of men set out to be the first humans to reach the South Pole, but ultimately never returned.
March 5, 2021
On of the most riveting books I've ever read. I felt I was right there with these heroic adventurers, which was exciting and heart-wrenching at the same time. Full of history, drama, emotion and poignant lessons. TEN STARS if I could rate it this way!
August 17, 2023
Fascinating book about mans attempt to concur the south pole. It details Scott's attempt to be the first man/group to reach it. If you don't know the history of the south pole there were a few surprises.
June 4, 2019
Didn't finish...
November 15, 2019
3.5 Stars
December 30, 2022
Balanced account of the British attempt to be the first to reach the South Pole.
April 7, 2023
Wow! Loved it. Highly recommended for anyone interested in Antarctic history.
November 25, 2025
The pacing on this one could be pretty slow at times, but I still enjoyed it
July 6, 2011
Firstly, I have to tip my hat to the author of this work, and reproduce here what the book sleeve relates:-Susan Solomon is a senior scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Boulder, Colorado. The leader of the National Ozone Expedition, she was honoured with the U.S. National Medal of Science for her insights in explaining the Antarctic ozone hole. Among her many other distinctions is an Antarctic glacier named in her honour.
'The Coldest March', published 2001 is a superbly balanced and science based investigation of the Terra Nova expedition of 1910-12 led by Robert Falcon Scott. Solomon utilises extensive diary entries and letters written by most of the 30 members of Scott's party, as well as post 1912 publications from Cherry-Garrard and George Simpson, and also includes modern meteorological data collected from the many Antarctic bases and weather stations over recent decades, to probe and explain the tragic end to this polar trek.
Scott, like Franklin before him, has been judged harshly regarding his leadership qualities on this fatal Antarctic expedition. (Often by armchair explorers who's true knowledge of polar regions is scant or non-existent.) Bumbler and inept are examples of the malignant tags that have been used in the assault.
Here is a most readable and senseful account that puts the record straight, not just for Scott but all the men who took part in this expedition. What I also appreciate in this book, are all the original photographs and modern charts and diagrams that are situated on the pages with the relevant text. Another clever touch, is the view of the modern day visitor to McMurdo base and South Pole base that helps to give the reader some kind of insight into the conditions endured in this most extreme of environments. As Scott himself wrote, "Great God! this is an awful place."
'The Coldest March', published 2001 is a superbly balanced and science based investigation of the Terra Nova expedition of 1910-12 led by Robert Falcon Scott. Solomon utilises extensive diary entries and letters written by most of the 30 members of Scott's party, as well as post 1912 publications from Cherry-Garrard and George Simpson, and also includes modern meteorological data collected from the many Antarctic bases and weather stations over recent decades, to probe and explain the tragic end to this polar trek.
Scott, like Franklin before him, has been judged harshly regarding his leadership qualities on this fatal Antarctic expedition. (Often by armchair explorers who's true knowledge of polar regions is scant or non-existent.) Bumbler and inept are examples of the malignant tags that have been used in the assault.
Here is a most readable and senseful account that puts the record straight, not just for Scott but all the men who took part in this expedition. What I also appreciate in this book, are all the original photographs and modern charts and diagrams that are situated on the pages with the relevant text. Another clever touch, is the view of the modern day visitor to McMurdo base and South Pole base that helps to give the reader some kind of insight into the conditions endured in this most extreme of environments. As Scott himself wrote, "Great God! this is an awful place."
October 2, 2010
A fascinating but not entirely convincing history of Scott's polar expeditions, and in particular his attempt at the South Pole in 1911-12 which led to the death of all five members of the Polar Party.[return][return]Scott has been viewed as everything from a tragic hero to a inexcusably ill-organised bungler. Using modern meteorological evidence, Dr Solomon makes a strong case that the deaths of at least four of these five men were due to factors beyond Scott's control, and in particular the unseasonably cold weather (even by Antarctic standards) that his party encountered during the final stages of their return in March 2009. Yet she raises enough examples of Scott's impulsiveness and his tendency to operate at or over the margin of safety to suggest that this gallant but inexperienced leader's flaws played a major part in his and his companions' fate.[return][return]Despite these reservations, this book is well worth reading if you are interested in polar science or exploration, or in the thin line that divides success from failure when operating in extreme conditions.
August 14, 2012
I've given this four stars although I wish really that the author had just stuck to the evidence about the weather and cut down on details about what happened. There are so many books which tell the story, and for those of us who are working with it there is just too much to read. I think it deserves 4 stars for the fascinating interpretation of meteorological data, from a woman who is certainly well qualified to do it. If anybody wants to get at the truth of what these men experienced this is a very good place to start. (And next look at Cherry Garrard's 'The Worst Journey in the World' which describes conditions in the Antarctic winter in a beautifully written, compulsively readable book. It's about the expedition to get the eggs of the emperor penguin BEFORE going on to the Pole. Absolutely mind blowing, with a very sad postscript concerning the eggs, which I won't give away.)
September 8, 2012
Clears up some of the myths or at least puts forward some possible explanations on why Scott and others died on the return journey from the South Pole. The inclusion of a flash forward to today and what life is like on Antartica is extreemly informative. Goes to show how, even with better knowledge and equipment, it's still a very dangerous place for people to visit.
Lots of data and graphs which may not appeal to all - but a great insight into the climate and the dedication of scientists over the many decades since 1912 to record / analyse what has been going on with the climate in that part of the world.
Book leaves you to think about what may have really happened to Scott, Wilson & Bowers. You need to read book to make up your own mind.
Lots of data and graphs which may not appeal to all - but a great insight into the climate and the dedication of scientists over the many decades since 1912 to record / analyse what has been going on with the climate in that part of the world.
Book leaves you to think about what may have really happened to Scott, Wilson & Bowers. You need to read book to make up your own mind.
March 18, 2014
The amazing story of the tragic Scott expedition in Antarctica in 1912. Solomon details the grueling 900 mile trek in sub-zero temperatures, pulling heavy sleds loaded with the supplies necessary to keep the men alive. Both their equipment and provisions proved to be inadequate against the awesome forces of nature in an un-mapped and hostile environment, and all members of the expedition died en-route.
The courage and zeal of these early explorers was inspirational. Solomon does a great job of getting into the minds of these intrepid scientists striving to achieve the unthinkable on sheer willpower alone. A captivating read.
The courage and zeal of these early explorers was inspirational. Solomon does a great job of getting into the minds of these intrepid scientists striving to achieve the unthinkable on sheer willpower alone. A captivating read.
October 23, 2009
I really like reading about daring expeditions, though I would NEVER go on one myself. Overall, it's an interesting read about survival and the journey in obtaining a goal, however impossible it may seem. It showed me the weakness of men compared to nature and God. There were a few times that it was too technical, and I admit I skipped over a few pages. Some critics view Scott (the expedition leader) as a bad leader, but this book portrayed him as a good one who was respected by him men and just tried his best when faced with a series of unfortunate and unlikely events.
March 21, 2010
The author, a noted climate scientist, has an interesting modern perspective on the fatal Antarctic expedition of Robert Falcon Scott. She tells the story of the expedition in gripping prose (I admit that it was much better than I expected), then adds a modern perspective as to what went wrong. Her goal is to show that Scott was not as incompetent as his legend makes him out to be. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about Scott or polar exploration in general.
May 12, 2014
A quantitative study of Scott's 1911 journey to the South Pole. Included in the narrative of the race for the pole against Amundsen is the gathered data of the unusually cold temperatures that fateful March, 1911. Solomon gives reasons to debunk the vision of Scott as a bumbler who was over his head. The conclusion one will come away with after reading is that Scott was supremely unlucky. I still find Scott supremely arrogant and closed minded, but agree that he was unlucky.
December 11, 2007
A gripping account of the Scott expedition. Susan Solomon is one of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize winners by virtue of playing a leading role on the science panel of the IPCC. She shows that Scott was not the notorious bumbler that history has made him out to be. Dare I say "a chilling account?"
January 26, 2009
good so far
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews