Diary of the "Terra Nova" Expedition to the Antarctic, 1910-1912;: An account of Scott's last expedition

by Edward Adrian Wilson

An account of Scott's last expedition edited from the original manuscript in the Scott Polar Research Institute and the British Museum.

Genres: Travel, History

279 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1972

About the author

1872-1912

Reviews

[Juushika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike Scott's, this diary is edited to include relevant pre-expedition content, which means: Wilson out in the world, being racist. It's a productive reminder of the culture framing these particular men, especially as racism and exploration are entwined; indeed, racism (via a lack of furs and dogs) helped get Wilson dead.

Wilson wrote primarily for family, and that audience feels present and limiting: this is anecdotes and birds, but the anecdotes are active and chock full of social dynamics from Wilson's frustrated and bemused position as science team lead. Insofar as a certain kind of restrained suffering was both holy and masculine, Wilson got top marks; both understated and honest, profoundly self-abnegating, and unexpectedly funny, this more than anything that I've read about the Terra Nova expedition thus far makes me want to reach for a biography, because the man is almost absent his own narrative, which is fascinating and frustrating and insightful.

[Gary Detrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars truly.
While some days seem a bit repetitious, as admitted by Edward himself upon keeping this diary, this is a wonderful historical document we are fortunate to have seen survive. A must read for any Arctic or Antarctic history reading buff. Sadly, of course, it ends abruptly around mid February upon which at this time only 4 of the 5 whom made it to the pole have already began to suffer the consequences of the epic journey. One, Captain Oates, battered himself from the adventure, walking away shortly after this date on his own to meet his fate. This being represented in a beautiful painting by J.C. Dolman "A Very Gallant Gentleman" that any artist would love.
A letter, representing some of Edwards last words to his parents, is sadly included. The wonderful works of art by Edward himself are represented throughout this amazing book.

[Saturn · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you rate someone’s personal diary? I found it very interesting

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Wilson kept a first-rate journal right up until he died on the shelf. This is it.