Editorial Review

Melding superb research and the extraordinary expedition photography of Frank Hurley, Read more

Reviews (147)

An essential book
This is such a good book, because of the way it is written, and also because of the incredible adventure it describes.It is the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton's 1914 expedition to Antarctica.Shackleton had been to the Antarctic twice before.The first time he accompanied Robert Falcon Scott in 1901 in an attempt to reach the as yet unclaimed South Pole and claim it for Great Britain.They were unsuccessful and came very close to losing their lives.The significant problems that went with traveling in the Antarctic were that no one lived there (and so no one was there to help if you got into trouble), nothing lived in the interior (no plants or animals to feed on), and the climatic conditions were horrific (snow, ice, wind speeds of up to 200 miles an hour and temperatures as low as -100 degrees Fahrenheit).Scott proved to be a very difficult man to travel with -arrogant, abusive and not particularly competent, which is not what you are looking for in the leader of such an expedition.The next time he journeyed south, in 1908, Shackleton, as the leader, chose his own men, and made his own mistakes, such as taking a team of ponies that were supposed to pull the sledges.The ponies were very ill-suited to such an environment and were eventually shot and eaten.This expedition was also a failure, but Shackleton had again learned a lot from the experience.By the end of 1912 the South Pole had been conquered by the Norwegian Amundson, and Shackleton's rival, Scott, had perished with all of his men only eleven miles from a supply depot that would have saved their lives.Now the only significant prize left to be achieved in the Antarctic was the traversing of the continent from one side to the other.Thus Shackleton's 1914 expedition was called the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.
Real adventure
It's a book that takes you to an incredible adventure. Photogrpahs make it even more exciting !

What an Adventure, and Pictures,Too.
I don't know why I keep reading these sagas of sufferring and adventure about polar expeditions,but I do.Of course, Shackleton's Anarctic expedition is one of the best of the bunch.
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Subjects:  1. (1914-1917)    2. 1874-1922    3. Discovery And Exploration (General)    4. Earth Sciences - Geography    5. Endurance (Ship)    6. Expeditions & Discoveries    7. History    8. History - General History    9. History: World    10. Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition    11. Polar Regions    12. Shackleton, Ernest Henry,    13. Sir,    14. Special Interest - Adventure    15. Travel    16. Biography: general    17. Geographical discovery & exploration    18. Ireland    19. Journeys    20. Shackleton, Ernest Henry    21. Travel / Adventure   

Subjects:  1. Antarctica    2. General    3. Individual Species Of Mammals    4. Life Sciences - Zoology - General    5. Mammals    6. Marine Life    7. Nature    8. Nature / Field Guide Books    9. Nature/Ecology    10. Science    11. Science/Mathematics    12. Seals (Animals)    13. Marine & freshwater mammals    14. Science / Zoology    15. Seals (Animals)--Antarctica   

Editorial Review

In the summer of 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton set off aboard theRead more

Reviews (361)

The original book of Shackleton's adventure
When the Endurance steamed south into the splitting ice pack of the Weddel Sea in the summer of 1914, she carried aboard the renowned British explorer Earnest Shackleton.The Endurance was specially designed and massively constructed by one of the world's finest shipyards, staffed with scientists and qualified volunteers and outfitted with meticulously tested equipment. Shackleton himself was an experienced polar veteran who had once come within a day's march of being the first to reach the south pole.But in spite of careful planning, the Endurance was doomed, and this expedition would be Shackleton's last Antarctic voyage.Unexpected cold weather froze the ship solidly into the ice, and 7 months later, the mounting pressure of millions of tons of ice crushed the three-foot wooden hull. The Endurance sank into the black water, and left the 30 exhausted men marooned on the treacherous melting ice flows of the storm-churned antarctic sea.For six months the poorly-equipped castaways wouldstruggle under inconceivable hardship until the drifting ice broke up enough for Shackleton to lead his expedition in three open lifeboats through freezing open water to a lifeless bit of rock called Elephant Island.With 5 companions aboard the remaining battered lifeboat, Shackleton left his crew and stuck out across the open ocean in a desperate attempt to reach a remote whaling station to obtain help.His faithful men would remain behind to weather the winter storms sleeping under the upended wreckage of a lifeboat -- their lives dangling by the frail promise that he wouldsomeday return. Alfred Lancing is an experienced journalist whose detailed research combines with direct and perfectly-paced prose and a handful of the expedition's original photographs.It is a tale ofleadership, unflagging courage, and determination in the face of impossible odds.But maybe the real definition of heroism is to be undaunted by the impossible.After sixteen days covering 900 miles of water in an amazing feat of open boat navigation, Shackleton struck land at South Georgia Island -- and after a three-day sleepless march over the 10,000 foot mountains in the huge island's interior, Shackleton and his remaining companions finally stumbled into a remote whaling outpost.And 450 days after being shipwrecked, after 5 attempts in three different ships, Shackleton managed to return to Elephant island to rescue his 22 remaining crew members in a tugboat borrowed from the Chilean government -- finally delivering all 29 of his men without the loss of a single life --and making Endurance one of the most inspiring stories of human survival every written.
An account of breathtaking courage
The author has clearly been rigorous in piecing together diary extracts and interview notes to put together this account of an adventure, or perhaps ordeal, which required of its survivors a degree of courage, composure and determination that cannot fail to humble yet uplift and inspire the reader.The style of narrative is rather matter-of-fact, rather than dramatic, and its coverage is limited to the expedition itself without dwelling much on the lives of the key players before or after.

An incredible book
Alfred Lansing's book, Endurance, dramatically details the 1914 expedition to the Antarctic led by Sir Ernest Shackleton.Although a non-fiction book, Lansing manages to make it read like a thriller, adventure.He wrote his story using first person accounts, interviews of survivors, journal entries, etc.While sometimes history can be a bit dry, this novel truly makes you feel a part of the adventure and reads very quickly.Ernest Shackleton's leadership abilities ensure not only the survival of the crew, but demonstrate his character as a man.Crew and officers were treated alike and shared in the duties of survival.Order was maintained and his personality and command of the situation enabled the group to survive what could have been a disaster. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (1914-1917)    2. 1874-1922    3. Adventurers & Explorers    4. Antarctica    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Endurance (Ship)    9. Historical - British    10. Historical - General    11. Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition    12. Shackleton, Ernest Henry,    13. Sir,    14. Travel    15. History / Polar Regions    16. Journeys    17. Shackleton, Ernest Henry   

Reviews (4)

Amundsen was funny!
This book was a lot of fun, in a geeky documentary sort of way.
The Norwegian Method
Roald Amundsen's "The South Pole" is a detailed, even exhaustive account of his successful 1910-1912 expedition to the South Pole.Amundsen's expedition was the first to reach the South Pole, after failures by other expeditions.
Preparedness Leads To Success
In the Foreword, Roland Huntford describes Amundsen's narrative as "all that Scott's is not".How right he is!This a very large book, but nonetheless an easy read.Amundsen relates a fascinating tale of fortune, misfortune, hardship, and ultimately - success.The narrative is detailed, but not overly so.In many places, a dose of humor is weaved in.Complete with numerous photos, maps, and scientific data, this book should be considered one of the great narratives of exploration.The great moral lesson of this tale is that preparedness ultimately leads to success.Is it any wonder that Roald Amundsen and his comrades won the race to the South Pole? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1872-1928    2. Amundsen, Roald,    3. Antarctica    4. Discovery and exploration    5. Expeditions & Discoveries    6. General    7. History    8. History - General History    9. History: World    10. Norwegian    11. Polar Regions    12. South Pole    13. Travel    14. Geographical discovery & exploration    15. History / General    16. True stories of endurance & survival    17. c 1900 - c 1914   

Reviews (9)

LOVED IT
This book is amazing!!! The photos are spectacular, and the author is very descriptive -- he makes you feel like you are actually there. Recommend highly.

what it is like to work and wonder way way down under
This is a clearly written, funny, moving and fascinating account of what it was like for the author to work in Antarctica over a number of years.While he has told it like a one-year trip, in fact it is a distillation of 14 years experience.
First Person Text And Beautiful Photographs
The author, Jim Mastro, got to spend one year at the bottom of the world and he wrote first person text and included beautiful photographs in his presentation. Some of the photographs capture the incredible beauty of Antartica and of the beauty of the wildlife. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1953-    2. Antarctica    3. Description and travel    4. General    5. Mastro, Jim,    6. Nature    7. Nature/Ecology    8. Photography    9. Polar Regions    10. Subjects & Themes - Plants & Animals    11. Subjects & Themes - Travel - World/General    12. Travel    13. Geographical discovery & exploration    14. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS    15. Nature / General    16. Photography & Photographs    17. Travel writing   

Reviews (7)

The Definitive Pictorial Account of the 'Endurance'
This mammoth book is the definitive pictorial account of the voyage of Ernest Shackleton and the crew of the 'Endurance', on their death defying journey to Antarctica between 1914 and 1917 as told through the camera lens of master photographer Frank Hurley. The book is approximately twelve inches square, and can easily be mistaken for a (very large and heavy) coffee table book from afar. Once it is opened, though, it is obvious that this in no trifling work. It contains background and narrative on Shackleton and the expedition and all of the surviving Hurley photographs (almost 500 of them total) and in scope is the most complete and amazing account of the expedition I have ever seen. Excellent
I was fortunate that I could follow Shakelton on T.V. while reading and viewing these excellent pictures.This book is outstanding and I would urge anyone interested in either Shakelton or photography to get it.I could not help but think that every member of this expedition had story to tell. We have heard only a few.Amazing the limits of human endurance and to think that they had a photographer with them who realized what he was filming, and did so for all of us to see.To Hurley was far ahead of his time, and I am inclined to think that Ansel Adams had probably learned from Mr. Hurley.

A real treasure
This is the most defenitive retelling of Shackleton�s adventure in pictures. Frank Hurley was an exceptional photographer who just happened to take pictures of a journey that without them would be simply unbelievable. AnyHurley�s picture of the Endurance expedition is a treasure, and in this book are all of them! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1874-1922    2. Antarctica    3. Arctic Islands And Antarctica - History    4. Documentary Photo Collections    5. Endurance (Ship)    6. Expeditions & Discoveries    7. History - General History    8. Individual Photographer    9. Photo Essays    10. Photography    11. Polar Regions    12. Shackleton, Ernest Henry,    13. Sir,    14. Travel    15. Arctic regions    16. History / Polar Regions    17. Individual photographers    18. Photographs: portraits    19. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (5)

The Most Useless Journey in the World
"The Lost Men", by Kelly Tyler-Lewis is the sister book to the original saga of Sir Ernest Shcakelton's journey to Antarctica. The original called "The Worst Journey in the World" tells of Shackelton's failed expedition to cross Antarctica. His ship the Endurance was smashed by ice in the Weddell Sea and his men stranded until their eventual rescue by Shackelton himself after a harrowing journey in a 22 foot open boat across the southern ocean.
How the choice and use of dogs may have affected the outcome
The Lost Men: The Harrowing Saga of Shackleton's Ross Sea Party is not about Inuit Sled Dogs. It isn't even mostly a story of the largely mixed breed, non-polar spitz, pathetic lot of twenty-four dogs that actually survived the voyage to the Ross Sea side of Antarctica and were expected to relay tons of supplies along a treacherous route to establish a line of life-sustaining depots. There is no doubt, however, that the hindsight of "what ifs" and "what should have been done" regarding the dogs loomed large throughout the pages of this book. The year was 1913 and a war soon to engulf the world was heating up in Europe. Nevertheless, Sir Ernest Shackleton would embark on his audacious plan. He was motivated by the death of his fellow countryman and nearest rival, Robert Falcon Scott, who froze to death while coming in second to Norwegian Roald Amundsen's stunning achievement, the first to reach the South Pole. In his haste and relentless pursuit of glory, Shackleton put together a flawed strategy. As the pages of The Lost Men flew by, I came to understand how Shackleton was no different from so many others of his ilk. While he had some fine qualities, he had a colossal ego and was unwilling to let such details as a looming world war, acquiring suitable transportation, finding qualified men, ensuring an orderly command and securing adequate funds stand in his way once his mind had been seduced by the prospect of his country's adulation. The vicious Antarctic weather, its wind-driven seas and massive ice pack, a blind adherence to British military ritual, and a lack of commitment to collect up the right dogs for the job helped ensure the mission's fate.In a nutshell, the plan was for Shackleton, some of his men and the majority of the ninety-nine dogs, collected in Canada, to sail on the ship Endurance to one side of Antarctica while the Aurora and the balance of the crew and remaining dogs would navigate to the other side. The Ross Sea Party, ten men from the Aurora, would then be responsible for laying depots enabling Shackleton and his men to complete the first crossing of the continent, promoted as The Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. And then everyone would triumphantly sail back to Great Britain on the Aurora whereupon Shackleton would be acclaimed as the hero. A fundamental plot of this story details the antagonism between Æneas Lionel Acton Mackintosh who, despite lack of any polar experience, Shackleton made Commander of the shore party, and Ernest Edward Joyce who, although assigned the role of Sledging Equipment and Dogs, enjoyed no decision-making authority regarding the care, training and use of the animals. Indeed it was Mackintosh who insisted on calling all of those shots despite having not one shred of skill or understanding of working sledge dogs, even though Joyce did. The odds were already against the dogs. They were sick, malnourished, parasite riddled, infected by fight wounds, not socialized into cohesive teams, unfamiliar with commands given by unskilled mushers who didn't know their original names. Putting a man like Mackintosh (who was not inclined to listen to the voice of reason and experience, let alone that of a subordinate) in charge of when and how the dogs were to be used, spelled disaster. Duty bound to follow Mackintosh's orders, right or wrong, the Ross Sea Party's success was in doubt. By the end of the first disastrous year, all but six of the dogs were dead, the depot-laying operation was far from complete and the men had no inkling of Shackleton's progress in their direction or if their failure to that pointwould spell doom for their commander-in-chief.Providing adequate communication was another of Shackleton's shortcomings. Between the end of December, 1914, when the Aurora steamed toward Antarctica from Australia, and January, 1917, when the landing party's seven survivors and their three remaining dogs were recovered, neither Shackleton's contingent nor the Ross Sea Party had any idea of the other's outcome. It wasn't until their rescue that the Ross Sea Party, miraculously having fulfilled their leader's orders to lay the all his required depots, learned that Shackleton was never able to set foot on the continent in the first place.Inuit Sled Dog enthusiasts will recognize that had Shackleton insisted on acquisition of more suitable draught dogs, and had given authority to a man competent in their training and use, The Lost Men might have had no reason to be written. Although it surely cannot be said that the right dogs would have all survived and would be singularly responsible for ensuring mission's success without enduring horrific hardship, the story of The Lost Men is a case in point of how not using the far better suited Inuit Dog can and has resulted undue suffering.This is a splendid narrative, beautifully written, replete with minute details, background and history preceding Shackleton's failed expedition. It offers readers comprehensive understanding of what drives men to dangerous places, and the socio-political-economic forces affecting their survival. The reader becomes intimately familiar with the lives of the characters before, during the expedition and, for the `lucky' ones, after their return to civilization. Kelly Tyler-Lewis leaves no stone unturned, including those elements relating to the dogs, in creating a yarn that will leave readers shivering.

A Fantastic Nonfiction Adventure
Kelly Tyler-Lewis' The Lost Men is the first full account of the Ross Sea Party side of Ernest Shackleton's attempt to cross Antarctica during World War I.The book simultaneously tells a harrowing tale of adventure as well as exemplifying outstanding historical research.Until this book, the men of the Ross Sea Party were truly lost and voiceless.Tyler-Lewis located diaries, photographs, and even film that no other historian could find.The result of her research is an outstanding, clear, and concise work of nonfiction.
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Subjects:  1. (1914-1917)    2. 1874-1922    3. Adventurers & Explorers    4. Antarctica    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Endurance (Ship)    9. Historical - General    10. Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition    11. Polar Regions    12. Shackleton, Ernest Henry,    13. Sir,    14. Travel    15. Biography & Autobiography / Adventurers & Explorers   

Reviews (1)

excellent overview
If you're going to the White Continent or just a fan, this map gives an excellent, detailed picture of Antarctica. All the major landing spots are covered, & it gives an overview of the wildlife & where they're found. This map was handy when my husband & I planned our trip to the Antarctic peninsula, which we chronicle in our DVD "T&T's Real Travels in Antarctica" available on amazon.com. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antarctica    2. Travel / road maps & atlases   

Reviews (4)

gorgeous illustrations, info. you won't find anywhere else
This has got to be the single best guide to Antarctica's unusual wildlife. Everything is covered here, from Gentoo Penguins to Crab-Eater Seals (which don't actually eat crabs). Beautiful illustrations make it easy to identify birds & other animals while your out on the ice. If you're going to the White Continent, you'll want to stash this little book in your daypack. This book was useful when my husband & I visited the Antarctic peninsula, which we chronicle in our DVD "T&T's Real Travels in Antarctica" (also available on amazon.com).

A handbook essential for any Antarctica-bound traveler
The price tag may seem steep for the fourth edition of this 144-page paperback - but where else are you going to find details on the wildlife of Antarctica, tailored as a take-along tote for the Antarctica-bound traveler? Color drawings by Dafila Scott accompany nature history descriptions of each creature and discussions of identification specific to Antarctica, from contending with visibility factors to seasonal identification features. Antarctica: A Guide To The Wildlife is a unique and strongly recommended "take-along" handbook essential for any Antarctica-bound traveler.
Great, portable guide
I bought this book in preparation for a trip 'South' in December 1999/January 2000 and it was an extremely useful guide to wildlife in general but especially good for penguin information. The drawings by an ancestor of Robert F. Scott's are lifelike, and engaging art as well.The brief summaries of natural and exploration history are accessible and informative. If you are looking for a portable guide to peninsular wildlife get the book--you won't regret it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Australia & Oceania - General    2. Polar Regions    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel - General    6. Travel Guides    7. Wildlife    8. Wildlife Conservation    9. Antarctica    10. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS    11. Travel / Polar Regions   

Reviews (4)

Future trip to Antarctica
My friend and I are off on an adventure to Antarctica in February and this book offered by Lonely Planet and authored by Jeff Rubin has been very informative and helpful in many aspects. I purchase all my travel books printed by Lonely Planet.

great backgrounder
If you're one of the few actually going to Antarctica, this book will give you an excellent background on the White Continent. It's not necessarily the best for planning a trip -- you'll get more up-to-date cruise ship info. online. But Lonely Planet will tell you all about the different possible landing spots, which can help you choose which tour to take. There's also good details about the most common embarkation points for Antarctica cruises. This book was handy when my husband & I planned our trip to the peninsula, which we chronicle in our DVD "T&T's Real Travels in Antarctica" (also available on amazon.com).

A truly great achievement up to LP standards, and even more
This book from Lonely Planet is, as always, the ultimate choice of guidebook for travelers.It provides excellent and up-to-date information which any type of traveler will find invaluable.Despite the fact that Antarctica is probably the least visited of the many regions of the world covered by LP, the authors have managed to put together an outstanding agglomeration of data and advice, well edited and excellently written.But... furthermore, on top of being an excellent travel book, this LP guide is also (like many other LP guides, but even more outstandingly) a great book about Antarctica's reality: the place itself, the peculiar or unique characters of this wonderful land, etc.Truly wonderful material is provided in this book, ensuring excellent reading for the armchair traveler, or the Antarctica beginner alike.Its many chapters and additional text boxes about a variety of topics, contain and provide extremely rich information on matters from history to politics, from geography to biology.All in all, a masterpiece. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Polar Regions    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Antarctica    5. Travel & holiday guides   

Editorial Review

When Jonathan Waterman set out to cross the Arctic Circle by way of kayak, cross-country skis, and a dogsled, he was less interested in conquering the 2,200 miles between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans than in learning to live as the Inuit had before him (Read more

Reviews (26)

buy this book
Jon Waterman is a writer who belongs between the hardcovers.His explorations and introspection make for compelling reading.

Articulate Adventurer
Who was it who said, "less is more"? That's one truth that stands out in Jonathan Waterman's "Artic Crossing" - a epical solo trip of the Northwest Passage done without fanfare, without oodles of sponsorship dough. I liked the author's cool, understated writing style, the wry observations about his sufferings and about the Inuits. No hyperbole, none of self-inflation that is so common in adventure writing, this book is truly believable. A wonderful read.

excellent book
in Arctic Crossing Jonathan Waterman, Kabloona extraordinaire gives us a a great gift. This guy can write, this guy can listen to the silence, this guy can paddle,hike, take in the wonder and freezing cold andbring it back home to those of usall warm in our living rooms. this guy is amazing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arctic Islands And Antarctica - History    2. Arctic regions    3. Canada - General    4. Description And Travel    5. Essays & Travelogues    6. History    7. History: World    8. Journeys    9. Native American    10. Polar Regions    11. Special Interest - Adventure    12. Travel - Foreign    13. Waterman, Jonathan    14. Canada, Northern    15. History / Native American    16. Nord-Ouest, Passage du    17. Voyages   

Reviews (4)

Several trips in one book
Roff Smith writes in this book about more than one trip to Antarctica, and in each trip he moves around from base to base to explore the place.For this reason, the book feels a bit disjointed, but it is a great portrait of the place and the people who live and work there today and the support systems that help them from the outside.Smith is often funny, as well as awestruck.That seems to be the effect the place has on people.

Great book
I've been looking for a book on Antarctica as I will soon be going there in a research support capacity. I was anxious to get an account of "what it is really like" being down there.Smith's accounts of dealing with the US program were especially interesting to me.His writing is humerous, insightful and thoroughly enjoyable to read.After reading this book, I think I have a decent sense of what to expect (his description of the pre-trip paperwork has already proven to be dead-on).
Needs Pictures!
I've been fascinated with Antarctica since hearing Vaughan Williams' Sympony No. 7 "Antarctica."This is the first book about the area that I've read. I found it fascinating right from page one. The author wastes no time getting to the ship and the voyage, and does a tremendous job describing the landscape.
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Subjects:  1. Description And Travel    2. Essays & Travelogues    3. General    4. Nature    5. Nature/Ecology    6. Polar Regions    7. Special Interest - Adventure    8. Travel - General    9. Travel / Adventure   

Reviews (8)

A better guide for Argentina...
I found this guide to be occasionally inaccurate and lacking much needed info for any serious birding, though it is useful as a backup/reference for other area guides. Instead of this book, I recommend you consider "Birds of Argentina & Uruguay" by Tito Narosky and Dario Yzurieta. If not easy to find on Amazon, try Birdlife International, or just pick up a copy in Buenos Aires.

A good area guide
This book is a very good guide. The thing I like most about it is its size. It is actaully smaller than "Birds of North America". It is a field guide not a desk reference like Howell and Webb "Birds of Mexico", that is about 3x larger or Hilty "Birds of Venezuela" 4x larger. These two books are actually too large to use as field guides. Many rip out the illustrations and bind them separately, because the books are too big to lug around. The only reason it did not receive 5 stars is because the range maps are in the back of the book.But "Birds of Costa Rica" does not even have range maps and it is considered excellent by many.

There Is A Better Choice for Antarctic/South GeorgiaBirding
I was extremely frustrated using this book on my recent trip to Antarctica and South Georgia.Some of the plates do not do an accurate job of depicting the birds and the distribution maps are also not entirely accurate.The professional ornithologist on my tripagreed with my observations and recommended that I purchase another book: "Birds of Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, and the Antarctic Peninsula" by E. Couve and C. Vidal. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antarctica    2. Birds    3. Birds & Birdwatching - General    4. Birds & Birdwatching - Guides    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Southern Cone of South America    8. Birds & birdwatching    9. Birds and Natural History    10. Nature / Birds & Birdwatching    11. South America   

Reviews (2)

Very Well Designed and Informative
Lot of great pictures and very informative articles.This book will definitely be with my camara and computer during my trip to Antarctica.

Fine book beautifully produced!
Anyone who has read my other reviews will know that I don't give stars easily but I can find no reason even to deduct a single star from this book. Whether you have been, are going or just want to dream of going this is the book for you. As its title indicates, its prime purpose is to describe the wildlife, and it gives top billing to the birds - all in a level of detail which should satisfy the most demanding birder, but which the average interested amateur naturalist should also find interesting. The authors have sensibly provided a fine set of plates rather than relying on photos as the main identification aid. There are however many good photos as well - this use of both "media" is, as far as my experience goes, unusual in bird books which tend to opt for one or the otherwhen in fact each has its advantages and disadvantages. The section onmarine mammals is of a similar quality. Another section comprehensively describes each of the regions (including Sub-Antarctic islands all the way up to Tristan) with information which makes the book useful as a "travel guide" for planning and accompanying a trip (though it is really too fine a book to get damaged in use!). In addition there are good (if relatively short) sections on geology, climate, history, botany etc etc - in fact on just about any relevant subject you could think of. Indeed if you could only have 1 book on the Antarctic this is a very good candidate - and at a very good price! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antarctic Ocean    2. Antarctica    3. Birds    4. Marine mammals    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Reference    8. Wildlife    9. Biological Sciences    10. Birds & birdwatching    11. Birds (ornithology)    12. Birds and Natural History    13. Nature / Wildlife    14. Polar regions   

Reviews (3)

Turning 30
This is an undiscovered gem, cherished by those who have read it. That Katha Politt no longer publishes poems and devotes herself to writing columns for the Nation is a great tragedy. Her columns are inevitablyinconsistent and often predictable. Her poetry is extraordinary andvibrant, although perhaps not to the taste of the same people who admireher column. My favorite poem might be Turning Thirty: Home, you writefeverishly in all five notebooks at once, then faint into bed dazed withambition and too many cigarettes...... Oh, what were you doing, why weren'tyou paying attention that piercing blue day, not a cloud inthe sky, when suddenly choices ceased to mean infinite possibilities andbecame instead deciding what to do without ..... (forgive the typography)

A delight
This is a collection of poems that are both accessible and intelligent. It's hard to imagine a literate reader who would not find a great deal to admire and enjoy here.

Of some interest, but also disappointing
Katha Pollitt is certainly a better writer when, as an essayist, she is discussing issues of Women's choices in contemporary society. This book is just a bit disappointing when having read her journalism and essays, butone shouldn't hold that against her. I found the shorter poems to be themost interesting, and risk taking. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (1)

Antarctic Wonder
Having spent some time with Joan Myers and seen her other books, I am convinced that this will be an excellent collection of photographs from Antarctica. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1944-    2. Antarctica    3. Description And Travel    4. Discovery And Exploration (General)    5. Essays & Travelogues    6. Expeditions & Discoveries    7. History    8. History: World    9. Myers, Joan,    10. Pictorial works    11. Polar Regions    12. Travel    13. Travel - General   

Reviews (2)

A scholarly work
Historian David Yelverton takes a long overdue look at Scott's Discovery expedition, the first significant attempt to probe the interior of that great southern continent. He pays great attention to Scott's difficulties in securing funds, crew, supplies and so forth. And, of course, Yelverton writes at length on the Discovery herself, an leaky craft that would have never made it south were it not for the constant struggle at the pumps.There is also a good deal on the cooperative effort with the Germans (!) on making often difficult magnetic observations, one of the principal reasons for the expedition in the first place. A less negative look at Scott's first expedition
Recent writings on Antarctic exploration have not been kind to Scott's leadership. If you're interested in a different look at the man (to some degree) and the first (Discovery) expedition try this book.The author gives one a sense of life on the expedition and takes one along through daily life on the ship, over the winter and on the sledging journies. Heavy on detail and a bit too focused on 'righting the wrongs' of Huntford, etc., the result seems an extremely well-researched view of the scientific goals and results of the expedition. (And, perhaps the author can be forgiven for the emphasis on righting wrongs--previous works have certainly emphasized contrary views.)I've long felt that viewing the turn-of-the-century expeditions through today's 'lens' is problematic. Scott and the others were English men of their time and subject to those values, just as we are products of our time.I recommend the work to those interested in a detailed view of that first expedition, how its course affected the Terra Nova expedition, and a different view of the explorers and the expedition--placed in their time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (1901-1904)    2. 1868-1912    3. Antarctica    4. Arctic Islands And Antarctica - History    5. British National Antarctic Exp    6. British National Antarctic Expedition    7. Discovery And Exploration (General)    8. Discovery and exploration    9. Expeditions & Discoveries    10. History - General History    11. History: World    12. Polar Regions    13. Scott, Robert Falcon,    14. Travel    15. Geographical discovery & exploration    16. True stories of endurance & survival   

Subjects:  1. Antarctica    2. Geographical discovery & exploration    3. Maps, charts & atlases    4. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS    5. Travel / road maps & atlases   

Reviews (6)

Trust your money and your life but not your wife with Ernest
What an expedition! There is a lot to be learned about leadership and survival by the adventurers on this journey. If you like men against the elements, who survive by their wits and never ever give up, this is the tale for you. A great winter read.

A True Leader
Shackleton was an amazing man full of true grit and true leadership. Among the many things that stand out in his story of survival is the importance of keeping a journal. Even after many supplies and equipment were left on the ice, the men were instructed to continue to carry their journals. And what if they had not? Where would be the true story that outshines most fictional adventure stories in the minds and imaginations of many, including myself? Sheer will and nerve.
Ernest Shackleton's description of his voyage into and subsequent escapefrom Antartica is amazing.The matter of fact tone with which he describeshis adventure seems wildly juxtaposed on the events which he led his mensafely through.It's an interesting read which gives some glimpse into thecalm and mechanically rational mind of Shackleton, the reason he and hismen survived.I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (1914-1917)    2. 1874-1922    3. Adventurers & Explorers    4. Antarctica    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Discovery And Exploration (General)    7. Discovery and exploration    8. Earth Sciences - Geography    9. Historical - British    10. Imperial Trans-Antarctic Exped    11. Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition    12. Science    13. Science/Mathematics    14. Shackleton, Ernest Henry,    15. Sir,    16. Travel    17. History    18. Journeys    19. Shackleton, Ernest Henry    20. Travel / Adventure   

Reviews (4)

Her visit was intended to research the landscape; her book is about the crazy people she found there
McMurdo Station, Antarctica is home to freezing temperatures, months of nearly total darkness and regular near-hurricane force winds. It's also home to a permanent station, McMurdo, and for a season was home to author Gretchen Legler, who tells of this season and those who have journeyed to Antarctica to escape life. Her visit was intended to research the landscape; her book is about the crazy people she found there. ON THE ICE is thus about an exploration few others will make: you'll have to read the book to live her discoveries vicariously.
Horrible...Sorry, Really Horrible
I'm sorry to say this, but this is simply a horrible book.Gretchen Legler is too self-absorbed, too self-pitying, simply too selfish. Her grant from the NSF Artist and Writers Program surely wasn't intended to fund this whining drivel about how much her parents don't love her, about how she found lesbian love in Antarctica, about tangental ramblings that meander into nothingness.
Should be titled "How I became infatuated with Ruth (in Antarctica)"
I completely agree with the comments made by the reader from Cleveland.This book is horrible!Roff Smith's book "Life on the ice" is infinitely better.NSF got ripped off funding this author. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Antarctica    3. Authors, American    4. Biography    5. Essays    6. Essays & Travelogues    7. General    8. Homes and haunts    9. McMurdo Station    1