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. Focuses on expedition leaders, Scott and Amundsen, as well as revealing other members and their motivations.Between 1910 and 1912, parties led by Norway's Roald Amundsen and England's Robert Scott made simultaneous attempts to be the first to reach the South Pole. Both parties attained the pole (Amundsen's first, Scott's second), but only Amundsen and his comrades returned alive. In a handsome volume that accompanies the American Museum of Natural History's exhibit on the Scott and Amundsen expeditions, curator MacPhee sheds new light on this well-known story of triumph and tragedy. His text is complemented by a treasure trove of photos, maps, journals, and artifacts (some seen here for the first time). Seamlessly combining high adventure with meticulous documentation, this book will have broad appeal. Includes five contemporary panoramas showing Scott's journey, as well as two vertical maps. Annotation ¨Ï2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) |