#47518 in Books Benediction Classics 2007-09-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x 1.38 x 5.98l; 2.16 #File Name: 1849020906556 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. One of the best books you'll ever readBy Nora HagueThere is absolutely no book like this in the annals of exploration/survival literature--and few books that approach it in any other genre. Apsley Cherry-Garrard was part of Robert Falcon Scott's ill-fated quest for the South Pole; but his book is no catalogue of derring-do and manly exploits. It is instead a memoir of suffering; exhiliration; and disaster; told with lyrical depth and near-heartrending honesty. Never does Cherry-Garrard descend into self-pity; instead he writes with a vividness that brings his ordeal--and the beauty that he nonetheless bore witness to--alive almost between the lines. This is the work of a poet; a classical writer and thinker; as well as an explorer. It is a testament not only to the circumstances Cherry-Garrard survived; but to the framework of British culture that surrounded them. It is a literary masterpiece; one of my all-time favorite books; and deserving of a place on any shelf devoted to serious literature.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Great Travel MemoirBy J. G. LewisThis is the memorable recounting of Robert Falcon Scott's 1910 Journey to the South Pole; in an attempt; among other matters; to be the first men to reach it. Apsley Cherry-Garrard's journal is studious and long; and takes about 100 pages to get fully going and engaged; yet once this happens; it is gripping reading all the way to the final sentences. In it Cherry provides interesting portrayals of the people and events; occasional anecdotes; along with at times whimsical; and at other times philosophical; commentary. His observations and analysis are superb. This leads to his epilogue; and the conclusions he drew from the experience; which are very well placed and outstanding; and so much so that they offer suggestions and thought even for our own time. So then; this is fine adventure reading; as well as advancing to societal critique. Superb reading; not to be missed.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Superb.By SussexPossibly the best book on Polar Exploration ever produced; Apsely Cherry-Garrard's classic was written primarily with the work of future explorers in mind. As such it is a very detailed and honest account of the operations side of the Terra Nova Expedition. This edition contains all the illustrations of the two volume original; and whilst the quality could be better; this seems to be the best modern rendering available. For better illustrations I highly recommend "Edward Wilson's Antarctic Notebooks" (I have the 2011 Reardon edition).Cherry-Gararrd's account only skims over the expedition's initial finance; selection and organisation which obviously had a direct bearing upon the outcome. It would also be nice if a future edition could provide a short follow-up on the subsequent fates of the major characters apart from the Polar Party.As for comments on style; pace and keeping bad readers interested. If you want a Wikipedia summary or a Hollywood movie then don't look here. If you have the patience to hear the real story from a genuine hero then your effort will be well rewarded. The details are there for a reason; by the end I felt that I had been there in some tiny insignificant way as well and lost some good friends. Sensationalist revisions by lesser men can follow afterwards; if you so wish.
