To The South Pole Captain Scott's Own Story Told From His Journals

To the South Pole

Captain Scott’s

Own Story.

Published by Rearden Publishing

So much has been written about Scott’s final and tragic expedition that it can become difficult to learn anything further, even from a fresh insight from yet another book.

However, this book proves my previously held views to be wrong.

As an independent book reviewer with first-hand experience of working, living and wintering in the Antarctic and reviewing many books of Antarctic research and exploration I can say that so many of the photographs I’ve never seen before. From the beginning, the book addresses the common misconception that the primary rationale underpinning this expedition  was a ‘dash to the pole’ and thereby glory. This book goes some way to dispel this misconception and identifies the scientific aspects of what was, a very well-planned expedition.

My only criticism is in the structure of some of the pages in the book. I feel that the font size is a little on the small size and may be off-putting to some readers. In addition, text is frequently ‘wrapped around’ photographs disrupting the flow of the text, which although informative and relevant affects the structure of the story being told.

The major strength of the book lies in the photographs, many of which have seldom been seen  before, and which breathe life to this ill-fated expedition.

This book written in Scott’s own words provide an authentic edge to an oft repeated tale of heroism and suffering in one of the most hostile environments on this planet.

The experiences of the early polar explorers (Scott, Shackleton, Amundsen etc) still excite and enthuse peoples respect and ambition. It is quite proper that these people are respected and remembered as they set about their quest with no expectation of rescue. This factor alone would deter many people and so their comments (in their own words) give an insight into their thought process which are unique

This book surpasses other reports about Scott’s last expedition because of its unique insight into the rationale of the major ‘players’. This alone raises this book to a level of understanding that is head and shoulders above other books covering the same subject.

Reviewed by Steve Wroe  ex British Antarctic Survey (Retired)