Race to the End: Amundsen, Scott, and the Attainment of the South Pole

by Ross D.E. MacPhee

In connection with the world-famous American Museum of Natural History: the gripping true story of the race to the South Pole

A beautifully told, impeccably researched, and stunningly illustrated account of the arduous quest for social advancement, scientific knowledge, recognition, and pride.

A century ago, England's Robert Falcon Scott and Norway’s Roald Amundsen— two explorers with vastly different visions—set out separately for the South Pole.  The race between these “ideal antagonists” resulted in grand heroism, bitter tragedy, and the birth and perpetuation of myths that have lingered for generations.

Race to the End takes readers along on each team's trek to Antarctica, and farther to the South Pole—a journey through Earth’s harshest, most unforgiving terrain. MacPhee's piercing insight and keen storytelling illuminates not only the natural, biological, and scientific detail, but also the human and emotional motivation. He helps answer the philosophical question asked of every person who undertakes a dangerous and epic exploration:  why did he do it? 

These highly illustrated pages feature diary entries; letters from members of the exploration; drawings, paintings, and photographs of the landscape, living quarters, equipment, and methods of transport; as well as never-before-published images of the last items discovered with Scott and his four mates who perished upon their return from the pole mere miles from the warmth and safety of their base camp.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

245 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of the heroic age of polar exploration. Every author is using the same source material, it's not like new diaries are being discovered, but it's captivating every time. The real advantage to this book is the photographs, not only the usual black and white shots from the expeditions, but also more rare photos that I had never seen. Every book contains the classic tragic shot of Scott and his companions at the South Pole, but this book also included two additional photos where the exposure was off, and they are haunting. There are also lots of color photographs of gear: primitive snow goggles, sleeping bags, sledges, Wilson's Book of Common Prayer.

I judge a "race to the South Pole" book heavily based on how the author shapes the roles of Amundsen and Scott. I thought he did a great job of showing a big picture of each man without falling into a strict hero/villain role. The book stays very specifically focused on the race to the pole, not branching out too much into other parts of the expedition or dwelling excessively on background. Overall, it was a beautiful read that kept me up worrying in the middle of the night.

[Lushbug · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic, lovingly illustrated retelling of the 1911 nimrod expedition to the South Pole that ended in tragedy. The book is in written in conjunction of the Natural History museums exhibition on the subject (can't wait to see it).

Whilst I will never fully understand why people feel the need put their life at risk just to be the first to plant a flag I can't help but admire sheer determination and bravery in the face of adversity. The Antarctic is an unforgiving place and in1911 a virtually impossible terrain and I'm surprised anyone made it out alive.

The author doesn't shy away from showing Scott and Amundson as the flawed captains they were. They often made grievous mistakes and showed a marked lack of good judgement but it made them more human to read about and I liked them better for it.

Scott's and his men's death inspired a nation and after reading this I can see why.

[S.P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a comprehensive narrative, but a reasonably detailed, well-executed summary of the “race,” with many fascinating photographs and maps that do not appear in other published accounts. A quick, worthwhile read.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

#26

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is beautifully illustrated. As it states in the preface, it was written to accompany the American Museum of Natural History's new Antarctic exhibit. I borrowed it from my local library just to enjoy the photos of artifacts from the Scott and Amundsen expeditions. There are also great photos from the expeditions themselves.

I will confess that I returned the book before I read the main text, although I found the extensive captions on the photos themselves informative.

[Jeanne Larson]

This book was interestingly written. I don't usually find myself pulled along by documentary style reading, but this author included anecdotes and enough intrigue and backstory to make it a good read. Illustrations were helpful too. I'd recommend it, both from an historical and entertainment point of view.

[Johnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Heroes that were human and had faults but still lived heroically. Good counterpoint to Endurance presenting a more human view of Amundsen and Scott. Indeed even give a little more human view of of Ernest.
Good read for those of us who know the only perfect guy we crucified but still are not afraid to live large.
Thanks Ben.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, if you like polar exploration and Antarctica. Pretty depressing, though, because of the tragic end of one of the expeditions. Also, has lots of photos from the expedition and of artifacts.

[Trace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and text

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best exploration books I have read! Superb pictures and historical insight too!

[Hardeep · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent photography, not quite the same caliber as that of Shackletons expedition, but still quite amazing. Good read.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent account of these two expeditions. The text, maps, and photos do a solid job of explaining the harsh incredibly difficult conditions these explorers had to endure.

[Pandan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiration!

[Pandan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiration!