Quick, Before It Melts

by Philip Benjamin

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224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1964

Reviews

[Bob W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Events depicted in this comic novel take place in 1958. The story recounts the misadventures of a bungling but conscientious magazine writer sent to Antarctica on assignment. Oliver Cannon works on the staff of the Manhattan-based Sage: The Magazine That Thinks for You. When Sage’s editor decides to send a reporter south to gather human-interest stories about scientists participating in the International Geophysical Year, no one volunteers. The job falls to Oliver, who is already in hot water after botching back-to-back assignments for the obituary column (“Tombstones”) and the religion department (“Up There”). Reminded that a man in his position cannot afford to be choosy, Oliver agrees to go.

While boarding a military transport plane en route to Antarctica, Oliver meets a mischievous photographer bound for the White Continent. The two become fast friends and proceed to wreak havoc amid perpetual daylight and subfreezing temperatures. Their antics include a barroom brawl, a scheme to help a Russian weatherman defect, and the outright theft of the South Pole. Along the way, they encounter a cast of eccentric characters, including an enchanting Māori stewardess, a drunken congressman, a heroic penguin, and a seemingly voyeuristic seal.

I first read this book in the 1960s and recently dug it up to see whether it was as funny as I remembered. It is. The novel remains a fast-paced, thoroughly entertaining read. I believe the book is now out of print; I found a used copy on Amazon. If you can track down a copy, it’s well worth the effort.