The Home Of The Blizzard: A True Story Of Antarctic Survival

The Home of the Blizzard #1-2

by Douglas Mawson

"The Home of the Blizzard: A True Story of Antarctic Survival" by Douglas Mawson is an epic tale of one of the most harrowing and awe-inspiring Antarctic expeditions in history. Join the intrepid explorer Douglas Mawson and his team as they embark on a treacherous journey into the heart of the frozen continent. Battling extreme cold, blizzards, and the unforgiving wilderness, Mawson's expedition becomes a riveting testament to human endurance and scientific exploration. This gripping account of survival against all odds will leave you in awe of the indomitable human spirit and the unforgiving beauty of Antarctica.

Genres: Adventure, Travel

635 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2023

About the author

Douglas Mawson (1882-1958) was Australian Antarctic explorer and geologist. Along with Roald Amundsen, Robert Falcon Scott, and Ernest Shackleton, Mawson was a key expedition leader during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.

Reviews

[Abdullah Almuslem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Mawson-a geologist like me- led the Australasian Antarctic Expedition which lasted from 1911 to 1914. This was a scientific expedition to explore the polar region doing geological work, magnetic measurement, metrological observation, biological investigation etc. He lost two of his comrades during their trip and he miraculously survived to find upon his return to the base that the ship which is supposed to take them home has left. He had to sit for another winter as a result. There was a detailed description of gales, strong winds, scenery, animals and other stuff that did not interest me. I was looking for the human emotion in the story which appeared only occasionally in the book.

What stroke me in this story is the spirit that these men handled all the adversities they faced. You don’t hear a complaint in the story -tone- even when death visited them. They continued cheerfully exploring and venturing into the unknown which was an admirable thing.

Not the most exciting story on polar exploration but still not a bad read.

[Patrick Carroll · Rating 2 out of 5]

Of its time. This is a meticulous record of Mawsons 1912/14 Antarctic expedition, it covers all three bases and the 4/5 expeditions on the continent itself, so a BIG read. One can imagine a Georgian gentleman reading this in his library and marvelling at the discoveries. I came away with an understanding of how hard, but repetitive and boring Antarctic exploration was, the constraints of supplies meant what ever wildlife was encountered was going to be eaten and simply the volumes of "specimens" taken (shot) for later analysis sits in stark contrast to present day exploration or scientific investigation of ecosystems. By the second half of the book the reading was as laborious and the exploration, "the past is a foreign country, they do things differently there".

[Alan Majchrowicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books, and a must read, about the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. Mawson's survival trek back to his base rates on the same level as Cherry Garrad's winter expedition to Cape Crozier. I would have given this book five stars, but the narratives of all the other expedition parties get a bit monotonous.

For an abridged, yet still gripping narrative, I recommend Beau Riffenburgh's Racing with Death: Douglas Mawson - Antarctic Explorer.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband loves all things Antarctic and the spirit of the explorers. This kept him entertained no end. Not my cuppa tea but I'm pleased he enjoyed it.

[Scott Diamond · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some really interesting sections but there is also quite a bit of meticulous detail. At times it was a slog to get through this.