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Race for the South Pole: The Expedition Diaries of Scott and Amundsen
In 1910 Robert Falcon Scott and Roald Amundsen set sail for Antarctica, each from his own starting point, and the epic race for the South Pole was on. December 2011 marks the centenary of the conclusion to the last great race of terrestrial discovery.
For the first time Scott's unedited diaries run alongside those of both Amundsen and Olav Bjaaland, never before translated into English. Cutting through the welter of controversy to the events at the heart of the story, Huntford weaves the narrative from the protagonists' accounts of their own fate. What emerges is a whole new understanding of what really happened on the ice and the definitive account of the Race for the South Pole.
For the first time Scott's unedited diaries run alongside those of both Amundsen and Olav Bjaaland, never before translated into English. Cutting through the welter of controversy to the events at the heart of the story, Huntford weaves the narrative from the protagonists' accounts of their own fate. What emerges is a whole new understanding of what really happened on the ice and the definitive account of the Race for the South Pole.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2010
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512 people want to read
About the author
Roland Huntford
23 books29 followersRoland Huntford (né Horwitch) is an author, principally of biographies of Polar explorers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 22, 2015
I doubt there is any shortage of reviews of Huntford’s “Race For The South Pole. I particularly liked that posted at: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010... As I’m unlikely to add much revelatory material, I shall restrict myself to a handful of observations.
Huntford presents a valid and convincing thesis: that the innately practical and tech-savvy Roald Amundsen ‘won’ the race for the South Pole thanks to superior man- management and planning skills coupled with a sensitive understanding and respect of nature’s unpredictable powers. Huntford paints a contrasting and highly unflattering portrait of Robert Falcon Scott; picturing him as a man whose mind was firmly embedded in the Romantic traditions of suffering and heroism; and who was simply and entirely unsuited to the practicalities of management and realities of the extreme conditions faced by the expedition in hand.
However, Huntford is not without guilt himself; for example when (just one example) clumsily confusing Petty Officer Edgar Evans and Lieutenant E.R.G.R. Evans in the Index to this book (p.279, death of). An unfortunate, clumsy error, which tarnishes confidence in the author.
One doesn’t have to read very far into this book before understanding dawns as to the entirely different approaches taken by Amundsen and Scott to the challenge to be first to the South Pole. The masterstroke lies in Huntford’s brilliant move of laying out the diaries of those two men side by side (together with the Norwegian Bjaalan, to balance up the number of words on each side). Periodically Huntford adds his observations and conclusions; not only on matters of immediate import, but also of what at first can appear to be side issues, but which the passing of time invests with a fascinating importance; such as the Swedish invention of the Primus stove (in the 1890s); without which no polar exploration was possible (p.44).
Overall, I found this a surprisingly gripping and fascinating read; but one which left me wanting to know more about how, in permanently greater or lesser possession of hindsight, we can ever realistically understand how those who are now long dead actually thought given that our knowledge (or lack of) and processes of mind and invention can never be anything more than of our time: excepting, I conjecture, those of the atypical genius.
Not a book for sentimental lovers of ponies or dogs, which fulfilled a dual purpose.
Huntford presents a valid and convincing thesis: that the innately practical and tech-savvy Roald Amundsen ‘won’ the race for the South Pole thanks to superior man- management and planning skills coupled with a sensitive understanding and respect of nature’s unpredictable powers. Huntford paints a contrasting and highly unflattering portrait of Robert Falcon Scott; picturing him as a man whose mind was firmly embedded in the Romantic traditions of suffering and heroism; and who was simply and entirely unsuited to the practicalities of management and realities of the extreme conditions faced by the expedition in hand.
However, Huntford is not without guilt himself; for example when (just one example) clumsily confusing Petty Officer Edgar Evans and Lieutenant E.R.G.R. Evans in the Index to this book (p.279, death of). An unfortunate, clumsy error, which tarnishes confidence in the author.
One doesn’t have to read very far into this book before understanding dawns as to the entirely different approaches taken by Amundsen and Scott to the challenge to be first to the South Pole. The masterstroke lies in Huntford’s brilliant move of laying out the diaries of those two men side by side (together with the Norwegian Bjaalan, to balance up the number of words on each side). Periodically Huntford adds his observations and conclusions; not only on matters of immediate import, but also of what at first can appear to be side issues, but which the passing of time invests with a fascinating importance; such as the Swedish invention of the Primus stove (in the 1890s); without which no polar exploration was possible (p.44).
Overall, I found this a surprisingly gripping and fascinating read; but one which left me wanting to know more about how, in permanently greater or lesser possession of hindsight, we can ever realistically understand how those who are now long dead actually thought given that our knowledge (or lack of) and processes of mind and invention can never be anything more than of our time: excepting, I conjecture, those of the atypical genius.
Not a book for sentimental lovers of ponies or dogs, which fulfilled a dual purpose.
December 25, 2012
Roland Huntford led the charge in the dismantling of Scott's reputation in the late 70s.
Re-writing a cherished national hero, as Scott had become, came at a price for the author but he persisted and still does to this day.
The publication of Scott's complete diaries alongside those of his rival Amundsen for the first time is Mr Huntford's latest endeavour.
As a bonus we also get Amundsen team member Bjaaland. Possibly to give some sort of balance to the book as Scott tended to write copiously where Amundsen often gave you a three line weather report and how many dogs were shot.
Certainly this is the case early on although Amundsen becomes more verbose later as he has a lot of tent time because the dogs run through the daily mileage so swiftly.
Bjaaland's diaries have a freedom and life to them the two expedition leaders don't always have.
At the start Mr Huntford seems one-eyed when it comes to criticism, Scott can do no good, Amundsen barely anything wrong. It feels like a personal crusade at times in Mr Huntfords commentary. As the journey proceeds Mr Huntford's comments seem more justified.
The authors comments comprise the smallest element of the book, he has written at length in previous books about Scott and Amundsen and does not do so here.
Mr Huntford's central concept that Scott was a poorly prepared bungling amateur infused with navy discipline and Victorian ideas of class seem pretty well founded.
It feels like shooting fish in a barrel though, Scott was a naval man from Victorian Britain and when it came to going to the south pole there were not many professionals you could turn too.
There was however a wealth of experience which should have at least informed Scott's decisions as fundamental as clothing.
But with hindsight (and with proper foresight) it all looks inevitable. Scott's has a complex plan involving motor tractors, ponies, ski, dogs, man-hauling most of which were proven failures, unproven risks or they had failed to train with properly.
Amundsen used ski and dog teams and had world leading experts in the skills. His plan, unlike Scott, had large safety margins in food and fuel and he had a single goal, get to the pole first and come back quick with the good news.
Scott is made to look a bungler in comparison to the genius of Amundsen.
Informed by future knowledge, some of Scott's decisions and comments made me want to reach back and tell him how costly these conceits and moments would be to him. Towards the end Scott's diaries become an exercise in blame shifting which might be the result of starvation, disease and defeat but does him no great credit. His undying achievement will be that he wrote at all.
Mr Huntford saves his most damning criticism for his conclusion in which he lays into Scott and the establishment with some gusto. The whole British psyche is held up to rude examination in the process. Here he makes his most accurate and telling blows and for me certainly at his most persuasive.
The diaries are a fascinating glimpse into the golden age of polar exploration and very much worth reading for any student of polar exploration.
Re-writing a cherished national hero, as Scott had become, came at a price for the author but he persisted and still does to this day.
The publication of Scott's complete diaries alongside those of his rival Amundsen for the first time is Mr Huntford's latest endeavour.
As a bonus we also get Amundsen team member Bjaaland. Possibly to give some sort of balance to the book as Scott tended to write copiously where Amundsen often gave you a three line weather report and how many dogs were shot.
Certainly this is the case early on although Amundsen becomes more verbose later as he has a lot of tent time because the dogs run through the daily mileage so swiftly.
Bjaaland's diaries have a freedom and life to them the two expedition leaders don't always have.
At the start Mr Huntford seems one-eyed when it comes to criticism, Scott can do no good, Amundsen barely anything wrong. It feels like a personal crusade at times in Mr Huntfords commentary. As the journey proceeds Mr Huntford's comments seem more justified.
The authors comments comprise the smallest element of the book, he has written at length in previous books about Scott and Amundsen and does not do so here.
Mr Huntford's central concept that Scott was a poorly prepared bungling amateur infused with navy discipline and Victorian ideas of class seem pretty well founded.
It feels like shooting fish in a barrel though, Scott was a naval man from Victorian Britain and when it came to going to the south pole there were not many professionals you could turn too.
There was however a wealth of experience which should have at least informed Scott's decisions as fundamental as clothing.
But with hindsight (and with proper foresight) it all looks inevitable. Scott's has a complex plan involving motor tractors, ponies, ski, dogs, man-hauling most of which were proven failures, unproven risks or they had failed to train with properly.
Amundsen used ski and dog teams and had world leading experts in the skills. His plan, unlike Scott, had large safety margins in food and fuel and he had a single goal, get to the pole first and come back quick with the good news.
Scott is made to look a bungler in comparison to the genius of Amundsen.
Informed by future knowledge, some of Scott's decisions and comments made me want to reach back and tell him how costly these conceits and moments would be to him. Towards the end Scott's diaries become an exercise in blame shifting which might be the result of starvation, disease and defeat but does him no great credit. His undying achievement will be that he wrote at all.
Mr Huntford saves his most damning criticism for his conclusion in which he lays into Scott and the establishment with some gusto. The whole British psyche is held up to rude examination in the process. Here he makes his most accurate and telling blows and for me certainly at his most persuasive.
The diaries are a fascinating glimpse into the golden age of polar exploration and very much worth reading for any student of polar exploration.
January 23, 2019
Audiobook version. Before I get into the content of the book, I want to make a comment on the narration. Bronson Pinchot is a phenomenal narrator! His personification of Amundsen and Bjaaland did not represent the best Norwegian accents I’ve heard, but he really shone for his voicing of Scott. Pinchot’s narration was so effective in personifying the condescending, haughty, and petulant words of Scott that I often felt I was hearing Scott himself. Just really outstanding voice work.
Beyond that, this book was a fascinating look at the two South Pole contenders on their race to the pole. The journal entries alone are fascinating, but I really appreciated the additional context provided by Huntford in between diary entries. I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but I found that this book is quite disparaging to Scott and casts Amundsen in an extremely favorable light. I mean, it is fairly obvious who was more prepared for the journey, but the lengths at which Huntford goes to point out Scott’s folly and Amundsen’s foresight is remarkable. By the end, you fully understand the outcome of this race to the pole and also get a good sense of the personalities of the two explorers. I really enjoyed this book and certainly recommend the audiobook version if you are able to get a copy of it.
Beyond that, this book was a fascinating look at the two South Pole contenders on their race to the pole. The journal entries alone are fascinating, but I really appreciated the additional context provided by Huntford in between diary entries. I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but I found that this book is quite disparaging to Scott and casts Amundsen in an extremely favorable light. I mean, it is fairly obvious who was more prepared for the journey, but the lengths at which Huntford goes to point out Scott’s folly and Amundsen’s foresight is remarkable. By the end, you fully understand the outcome of this race to the pole and also get a good sense of the personalities of the two explorers. I really enjoyed this book and certainly recommend the audiobook version if you are able to get a copy of it.
February 11, 2022
Really just the journals of Amundsen and Scott, but it gives such perspective on ALL the stories of early polar exploration--British especially. Never occurred to me that a sense of national pride and a need for national heroes could influence the authors of these tales.
Rather than the brave and intrepid explorer Scott has always been made out to be, the truth is he was woefully unprepared.
He suffered not because he was so courageous, but at least in part because he was not a very good decision maker.
Rather than the brave and intrepid explorer Scott has always been made out to be, the truth is he was woefully unprepared.
He suffered not because he was so courageous, but at least in part because he was not a very good decision maker.
January 4, 2020
Considering that there persist serious entities like the National Geographic in making documentaries to bolster the myth of Scott as a heroic martyr, I found the manner in which the book lays out their diaries day by day with pithy technical clarifications to be illuminating. The book treats readers with respect and gives them the tools to draw their own conclusions.
May 18, 2022
Loved this book! Very insightful look into the journeys of the Norwegian and British parties, and appreciated the additional context comparisons by the author. I also loved the narration of the audiobook, great accents for the explorers.
June 23, 2025
Salty but so satisfying and informative!
I have read many books about the Antarctic explorers and this is the first one that goes into detail about Amundsen. I guess now I know why there are so many books about Scott and hardly any about Amundsen... If you ever wondered why that is – I think you will find answers in here.
Disclaimer: Huntford is clearly biased and does not hide his disdain for Scott page after page. But this was an eye opener in many ways. If you know of any other books that verify his claims let me know, I am intrigued!
Here are things that set this book apart from others:
1. It describes how Amundsen and Scott got into polar exploration and the differences in their upbringing & approaches. I especially enjoyed learning about Amundsen's previous trips to the Arctic and how he studied the ways of indigenous eskimos.
2. It goes into detail about why Amundsen kept his South Pole plans secret and follows the two expeditions in parallel, describing their arrival on the continent, their preparations and their journeys side by side. The differences are glaring!
3. It sheds a harsh light on Scott's shortcomings and failures, which you will be hard pressed to find in another book. If you read my previous reviews of books about Scott & Mawson you will find expressions of awe (and scepticism) about how civil and polite everyone was. I found it hard to believe Scott's claims that their winter in Antarctica went without a single argument and how no-one ever griped or complained in their private diaries. Huntford claims this was the result of posthumous or self imposed censorship and describes conflicts within Scott's party. He also sheds a different light on the circumstances of Oates' death.
4. Huntford reveals something about the deaths of Scott, Wilson and Bowers that was apparently erased from history by Lady Scott when she decided to omit certain parts of his last letters / diary entries. I would love to verify this through another source, but let's just say that it really put things into perspective.
I am glad I read several books of Scott's expedition before this one. If you are reading this review wondering whether to pick up this book or not, here is my advice:
Start with books about Scott's party. Cherry-Garrard and Wilson's diaries for example. Once you feel like you've exhausted the subject, pick up this book and let your mind be blown. Because after you read Race for the South Pole it will be harder to enjoy the British version of Scott's last journey. Trust me.
I have read many books about the Antarctic explorers and this is the first one that goes into detail about Amundsen. I guess now I know why there are so many books about Scott and hardly any about Amundsen... If you ever wondered why that is – I think you will find answers in here.
Disclaimer: Huntford is clearly biased and does not hide his disdain for Scott page after page. But this was an eye opener in many ways. If you know of any other books that verify his claims let me know, I am intrigued!
Here are things that set this book apart from others:
1. It describes how Amundsen and Scott got into polar exploration and the differences in their upbringing & approaches. I especially enjoyed learning about Amundsen's previous trips to the Arctic and how he studied the ways of indigenous eskimos.
2. It goes into detail about why Amundsen kept his South Pole plans secret and follows the two expeditions in parallel, describing their arrival on the continent, their preparations and their journeys side by side. The differences are glaring!
3. It sheds a harsh light on Scott's shortcomings and failures, which you will be hard pressed to find in another book. If you read my previous reviews of books about Scott & Mawson you will find expressions of awe (and scepticism) about how civil and polite everyone was. I found it hard to believe Scott's claims that their winter in Antarctica went without a single argument and how no-one ever griped or complained in their private diaries. Huntford claims this was the result of posthumous or self imposed censorship and describes conflicts within Scott's party. He also sheds a different light on the circumstances of Oates' death.
4. Huntford reveals something about the deaths of Scott, Wilson and Bowers that was apparently erased from history by Lady Scott when she decided to omit certain parts of his last letters / diary entries. I would love to verify this through another source, but let's just say that it really put things into perspective.
I am glad I read several books of Scott's expedition before this one. If you are reading this review wondering whether to pick up this book or not, here is my advice:
Start with books about Scott's party. Cherry-Garrard and Wilson's diaries for example. Once you feel like you've exhausted the subject, pick up this book and let your mind be blown. Because after you read Race for the South Pole it will be harder to enjoy the British version of Scott's last journey. Trust me.
February 20, 2022
Audiobook Version:
Amundsen, Bjaaland and Scott’s diaries transport the listener to Antarctica circa 1911. They offer insight into the character of each man. The entries are concise, allowing the story to flow, yet also deep enough to experience the triumph and tragedy encountered.
Good narration and voice easily distinguishes each man’s writing. The author’s foreword sets the scene for the narrative well, and occasional interjections help give context to the diaries.
The author has an agenda in setting the record straight - specifically by deconstructing the mythology of Scott. This colours the author’s comments through out the story. Without having read other accounts of the journey it is difficult to know how much of this is accurate and how much speculation. A strong case for this view is made.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale, the author’s comments, and the excellent narration. I highly recommend it.
Amundsen, Bjaaland and Scott’s diaries transport the listener to Antarctica circa 1911. They offer insight into the character of each man. The entries are concise, allowing the story to flow, yet also deep enough to experience the triumph and tragedy encountered.
Good narration and voice easily distinguishes each man’s writing. The author’s foreword sets the scene for the narrative well, and occasional interjections help give context to the diaries.
The author has an agenda in setting the record straight - specifically by deconstructing the mythology of Scott. This colours the author’s comments through out the story. Without having read other accounts of the journey it is difficult to know how much of this is accurate and how much speculation. A strong case for this view is made.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale, the author’s comments, and the excellent narration. I highly recommend it.
Read
June 6, 2013A great book. The twin journals of Scott and Amundsen have not only proven to be an interesting study of antarctic expedition. Between the lines and sometimes quite explicitly one can learn much about leadership.
For large parts, author's annotations were a great asset as they provided additional information and clarifications. However, Huntford's anti-Scott comments for me sometimes go a little too far.
For large parts, author's annotations were a great asset as they provided additional information and clarifications. However, Huntford's anti-Scott comments for me sometimes go a little too far.
March 29, 2014
Brilliant book. From what I gather, the race for the South Pole was fraught with a lot of revisionist history and prejudiced accounts. This book clears it up by putting the diaries of the two expedition leaders (Amundsen for Norway; Scott for UK) side by side, day by day. The real story quickly emerges. The presentation method is very compelling, and is supported by Huntford's observations.
February 21, 2020
Olav Olavsson Bjaaland was my great uncle so it was fascinating to read his diary. I grew up with stories about the polar expedition and my mother met him in 1952 for the Winter Olympics. Olav was honored by lightning the torch in Morgedal to start the torch relay to Oslo.
October 24, 2022
Achei o livro bom, mas a leitura cansativa.
O início e o fim do livro são muito bons e prende o leitor querendo saber mais.
A metade do livro é bem monótono. As páginas dos diários quase sempre falando do tempo, tempestade, vento e da dificuldade de passar pelos diferentes terrenos da Antártida.
Mesmo assim, os comentários do autor são interessantes e a disposição dos diarios, tanto do Amundsen, quanto do Scott dão a oportunidade para o leitor de tirar suas próprias conclusões sobre qual expedição foi a mais bem preparada e se foi ou não questão de sorte ou azar o destino de cada expedição.
Apesar do livro ser interessante, acho que ele serve mais como uma referência do que uma história. O simples copiar e colar dos diarios resulta na falta de uma narrativa para o leitor.
Outros já disseram isso, mas mesmo eu, brasileiro, achei que o autor pegou um pouco pesado com a "incompetência" do Scott. Sim, ele foi incompetente e a mídia britânica fez dele um herói. Ainda sim o autor repete inúmeras vezes os erros, incompetencia e inferioridade de planejar do Scott comparado com o Amundsen.
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I thought the book was good, but it was tiring to read.
The beginning and end of the book are very good and keep the reader wanting to know more.
Half of the book is pretty monotonous. The diary pages almost always talk about the weather, storm, wind and the difficulty of passing through the different terrains of Antarctica.
Even so, the author's comments are interesting and the layout of both Amundsen's and Scott's journals gives the reader the opportunity to draw their own conclusions about which expedition was the best prepared and whether or not it was a matter of luck or not the outcome of each expedition.
Although the book is interesting, I think it serves more as a reference than a story. The simple copying and pasting of the diaries results in the lack of a narrative for the reader.
Others have already said this, but even I, a Brazilian, thought the author got a little heavy with Scott's "incompetence". Yes, he was incompetent and the British media made him a hero. Yet the author repeats over and over again Scott's mistakes, incompetence and inferiority of planning compared to Amundsen.
O início e o fim do livro são muito bons e prende o leitor querendo saber mais.
A metade do livro é bem monótono. As páginas dos diários quase sempre falando do tempo, tempestade, vento e da dificuldade de passar pelos diferentes terrenos da Antártida.
Mesmo assim, os comentários do autor são interessantes e a disposição dos diarios, tanto do Amundsen, quanto do Scott dão a oportunidade para o leitor de tirar suas próprias conclusões sobre qual expedição foi a mais bem preparada e se foi ou não questão de sorte ou azar o destino de cada expedição.
Apesar do livro ser interessante, acho que ele serve mais como uma referência do que uma história. O simples copiar e colar dos diarios resulta na falta de uma narrativa para o leitor.
Outros já disseram isso, mas mesmo eu, brasileiro, achei que o autor pegou um pouco pesado com a "incompetência" do Scott. Sim, ele foi incompetente e a mídia britânica fez dele um herói. Ainda sim o autor repete inúmeras vezes os erros, incompetencia e inferioridade de planejar do Scott comparado com o Amundsen.
------------
I thought the book was good, but it was tiring to read.
The beginning and end of the book are very good and keep the reader wanting to know more.
Half of the book is pretty monotonous. The diary pages almost always talk about the weather, storm, wind and the difficulty of passing through the different terrains of Antarctica.
Even so, the author's comments are interesting and the layout of both Amundsen's and Scott's journals gives the reader the opportunity to draw their own conclusions about which expedition was the best prepared and whether or not it was a matter of luck or not the outcome of each expedition.
Although the book is interesting, I think it serves more as a reference than a story. The simple copying and pasting of the diaries results in the lack of a narrative for the reader.
Others have already said this, but even I, a Brazilian, thought the author got a little heavy with Scott's "incompetence". Yes, he was incompetent and the British media made him a hero. Yet the author repeats over and over again Scott's mistakes, incompetence and inferiority of planning compared to Amundsen.
December 30, 2024
3
The South Pole expedition diaries of Amundsen/Bjaaland and Scott presented side-by-side. These are interesting as much as for their historical relevance as for their glimpses into the humans involved and their experiences on quite contrasting voyages.
Huntford gives a very thorough introduction laden with welcome context about the state of polar exploration and its methods at the time. Particularly interesting is the commentary on the superiority of skis and dogs (Amundsen) over man-hauling, mechanised transport and ponies (Scott)...the former having learned from indigenous peoples with long experience of polar travel. Huntford emphatically comes out in favour of indigenous technology and wisdom over untested modern solutions, a position which I am sympathetic to!
Nonetheless, in opposing the great myth of Scott that grew up after his death and disappearance and subsequent rediscovery, Huntford perhaps goes a little far the other way... Amundsen was clearly the more competent, prepared and wiser explorer, but Huntford seems unable to resist a single opportunity to pour scorn on Scott. Amundsen, in fairness, does seem to deserve the praise heaped upon him in this book.
All in all, a compelling read, even if I have some reservations about the impartiality of the contextualising remarks. For what it's worth I did genuinely find Amundsen/Bjaaland's journals far more enjoyable than Scott's.
The South Pole expedition diaries of Amundsen/Bjaaland and Scott presented side-by-side. These are interesting as much as for their historical relevance as for their glimpses into the humans involved and their experiences on quite contrasting voyages.
Huntford gives a very thorough introduction laden with welcome context about the state of polar exploration and its methods at the time. Particularly interesting is the commentary on the superiority of skis and dogs (Amundsen) over man-hauling, mechanised transport and ponies (Scott)...the former having learned from indigenous peoples with long experience of polar travel. Huntford emphatically comes out in favour of indigenous technology and wisdom over untested modern solutions, a position which I am sympathetic to!
Nonetheless, in opposing the great myth of Scott that grew up after his death and disappearance and subsequent rediscovery, Huntford perhaps goes a little far the other way... Amundsen was clearly the more competent, prepared and wiser explorer, but Huntford seems unable to resist a single opportunity to pour scorn on Scott. Amundsen, in fairness, does seem to deserve the praise heaped upon him in this book.
All in all, a compelling read, even if I have some reservations about the impartiality of the contextualising remarks. For what it's worth I did genuinely find Amundsen/Bjaaland's journals far more enjoyable than Scott's.
February 10, 2020
It was really interesting to listen to Amundsen’s and Scott’s diaries (with the addition of Bjaaland’s diaries also, on Amundsen’s side) side by side like this, and Huntford’s insights were interesting too. I listened to the audiobook, which was well read apparently by an American with a talent for the British Edwardian accent – very few slip ups – and the Norwegian accents. I couldn’t possibly comment on whether it was an accurate Norwegian 1910s accent, but it sounded good to me. Where this book is let down is Huntford’s apparent monomania over his hatred of Scott and of the English in general. Most of his comments are either glowing praise for Amundsen or scathing vitriol against Scott. I’m not particularly a fan of Scott and I agree with a lot of Huntford’s points, but it’s hard to take him at his word when he’s so obviously biased. It’s interesting that he includes the diaries of Bjaaland but none of Scott’s companions’ words, dismissing accounts like that of Cherry-Garrard as an immature apologia. This is emphasised in the audiobook, where the reader imparts intonation to Scott’s words that load it with meanness that may not be there.
It’s worth reading this to see the diaries side by side, but by all means seek out less biased opinions on the characters of the men involved.
It’s worth reading this to see the diaries side by side, but by all means seek out less biased opinions on the characters of the men involved.
January 31, 2025
honestly a really great way to organize their diaries. it puts a really stark contrast on the two differing approaches to the race with some interesting annotations by the author.
i knew how it ended and yet it was absolutely gripping and kept me on the edge of my seat
the author had the requisite disdain for scott- which scratched an itch for me. and i kept turning to friends to give them the rundown on What Scott Just Did (derogatory). i honestly did not expect to end up finding scott's hubris and incompetence so pronounced.
though i do also see blind spots in his valorization of amundsen- an insistence that amundsen was Not Doing This For Risk At All- when i think it was more a case for amundsen doing this for an acceptable / more reasonable level of risk. the rush of exploration and the natural risks that brings no matter the preparedness (but very much not wanting to court scurvy or starvation after his experience on the belgica).
very compelling narrative, and i enjoyed the author's observations. (though i can't wholly recommend this book for lovers of ponies and dogs)
i knew how it ended and yet it was absolutely gripping and kept me on the edge of my seat
the author had the requisite disdain for scott- which scratched an itch for me. and i kept turning to friends to give them the rundown on What Scott Just Did (derogatory). i honestly did not expect to end up finding scott's hubris and incompetence so pronounced.
though i do also see blind spots in his valorization of amundsen- an insistence that amundsen was Not Doing This For Risk At All- when i think it was more a case for amundsen doing this for an acceptable / more reasonable level of risk. the rush of exploration and the natural risks that brings no matter the preparedness (but very much not wanting to court scurvy or starvation after his experience on the belgica).
very compelling narrative, and i enjoyed the author's observations. (though i can't wholly recommend this book for lovers of ponies and dogs)
January 27, 2025
This book stays close to the journal entries of Scott and Amundsen, and that makes the tale of the journey as true to life as you can get. So if you’re looking for “straight from the horses mouth”, then here it is, with occasional editorializing by the author. Some believe the author too harsh on the Englishman Scott, but after completing this book, I’ve decided the criticisms are valid. Robert Falcon Scott simply did not have the polar expedition experience that the Norwegian did, nor was he as prepared, nor was his team as expert as Amundsen’s. Many other criticisms are rightly leveled (not preparing enough calorie intake for man-hauling, as a further example) so I’m not lighting a saintly candle next to a mere mortal with poor judgement, R. F. Scott. Finally, I prefer a narrative style, which is why this book received 4 stars and not 5.
For Audible Listeners: outstanding readers theater-type performance! The voices of Roald Amundsen, Olav Bjaaland, and Robert Falcon Scott are acted out. Good stuff!
For Audible Listeners: outstanding readers theater-type performance! The voices of Roald Amundsen, Olav Bjaaland, and Robert Falcon Scott are acted out. Good stuff!
August 17, 2018
Wow. The first thing that impressed me was that I'm not used to British explorers being spoken of disparagingly in actual, factual, books of historical significance. Science fiction, by British authors, will cross that line, but none of my childhood history texts or any 'serious' book even sidled up to it. However, the constant comparison of facts by Huntford makes the conclusions reached inescapable. Vividly described in the explorer's words the extraction of the tooth sounded almost as fun as activities in one of The Saw movies, and frostbite a similar joy. Only the use of the animals keeps this from being a smashing film, and while the animals were brought mostly as tools and then provisions, the fact that each was recorded speaks to the humanity of these people. I did enjoy the book, and if I were into geography, climbing, mountaineering, or any of that sort of thing I'm certain I would have enjoyed the book even more. Excellent work.
November 28, 2021
Great parallel accounts, providing fascinating insight along the two trajectories and into the two epically polarized mind sets. Actually - three. Bjaaland's account, included to even out the wordage, sometimes almost acts as a welcome comic interlude between the heavyweights to either side of him.
But I cannot stomach Huntford's seemingly Ahabian vendetta against Scott. Some of his criticisms may be well founded and justifiable, but the degree of repetitive editorial vitriol I find distasteful, ignorant, and distracting. Loss of three stars for this.
But I cannot stomach Huntford's seemingly Ahabian vendetta against Scott. Some of his criticisms may be well founded and justifiable, but the degree of repetitive editorial vitriol I find distasteful, ignorant, and distracting. Loss of three stars for this.
December 31, 2022
Provided an excellent (and seemingly accurate) account of the race to the South Pole. The majority of the book is the day by day journal entries of Scott and Amundson during their expeditions, but also includes important extra details explaining some context and well as comparison of the different methods & mentalities for every step of the expedition.
The story itself is fascinating and I feel makes a great companion piece to another one of my favorites - Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage.
The story itself is fascinating and I feel makes a great companion piece to another one of my favorites - Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage.
September 14, 2018
A very balanced journey between Amundsen and Scott's journey to the South Pole through their diary entries. The asides to give background or provide additional opinions and facts about the journeys was also not intrusive and very instructive in how things went wrong for both groups (the benefits of hindsight basically in small asides). Definitely recommend for those who are curious about our 7th continent.
February 26, 2021
A highly informative and fascinating look at the course of the two polar journey undertaken by Captain Scott and Roald Amusden. As history tells us, one of these was successful and the other ended in tragedy. Hearing from the men themselves brings it closer to home what they must have felt and experienced.
The narrator Bronson Pinochet was excellent and kept my interest but occasionally his accent would slip and Scott would be reading a section of his journal in Amunsden's voice and vice versa. I found this amusing but also a little distracting.
The narrator Bronson Pinochet was excellent and kept my interest but occasionally his accent would slip and Scott would be reading a section of his journal in Amunsden's voice and vice versa. I found this amusing but also a little distracting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
abandoned
April 29, 2024DNFed the audiobook because the narrator was too good at imitating Norwegian accent. It added flavor to the story but alas I found it too hard to concentrate on the story when I sometimes strained to understand what was being said. Will probably get back to it either in a different format or if I find an audio book with a different narrator.
May 13, 2019
A very interesting read. This book shows how two groups with the same goal go about taking on a challenge to be the first at the South Pole. Also it shows how different leadership styles can make or break an expedition.
August 5, 2023
Hard to follow as it's just a compilation of journals of the explorer. The author did some narration but I would have preferred more. Bad decisions in managing supplies, bringing the wrong crew members, focusing on wrong things and infighting caused the failure and death of the group.
January 28, 2019
I richly enjoyed this book and could feel the elation of Admunsen as well as biting defeat of Scott. Well told though it is clear of what the authors biases bear witness.
November 15, 2020
This book should be called into the cold like a few other tragic journeys.
December 27, 2021
This is by far one of the best books ever. I could not leave it from my hands.
Even though it has a very sad ending, you can learn a lot from it.
Even though it has a very sad ending, you can learn a lot from it.
February 20, 2022
I could've done without Huntford's constant dunking on Scott when his diary entries do that well enough on their own.
August 22, 2022
"There is no bad weather. Only bad clothing."
October 8, 2022
This historical account of the race to the South Pole is very well written.
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