Scott of the Antarctic: A Life of Courage and Tragedy

A richly illuminating biography of Robert Falcon Scott, and the first to transcend the myths that have taken root in the story of his life.

Since Scotts death in 1912, he has been the subject of innumerable bookssome declaring him a hero, others dismissing him as an irresponsible fool. But in all the pages that have been written about him, the man behind the legend has been forgotten or distorted beyond all recognition. Now, with full access to all family papers and to the voluminous diaries and records of key participants in the Antarctic expeditions, and with the inclusion in the book of excerpts from Scotts own letters and diaries, David Crane gives us a portrait of the explorer that is more nuanced and balanced than any we have had before. In reassessing Scotts life, Crane is able to provide a fresh perspective on both the Discovery expedition of 1901–04 and the Terra Nova expedition of 1910–13, making clear that although Scotts dramatic journeys are the most compelling parts of his story, they are only part of a larger narrative that includes remarkable scientific achievement and the challenges of a tumultuous private life.

Scotts own voice echoes through the pages. His descriptions of the monumental landscape of Antarctica and its fatal and icy beauty are breathtaking. And his honest, heartfelt letters and diaries give the reader an unforgettable account of the challenges he faced both in his personal life and as a superlative leader of men in possibly the worlds harshest environment.

The result is an absolutely convincing portrait of a complicated hero.

"If ever a man needed saving from the enthusiasm of his admirers,' Crane begins, 'it was Scott.' But although this hefty biography strips away much of the legend and mystique surrounding the polar expeditions of Robert Falcon Scott, it's still infused with hero worship. In addition to his leadership skills, Crane claims Scott was the only polar explorer to possess significant literary talent, and his writings — especially the final message scrawled as he lay dying in the Antarctic wastelands — 'extend our sense of what it is to be human.' The twin centerpieces of Scott's story are, of course, his two expeditions to Antarctica, both of which are recreated here with meticulous detail. Crane understands, however, that Scott's accomplishments in the polar region were shaped by his earlier experiences in the Royal Navy; thus the narrative is equally strong in recounting how Scott was able to overcome fierce opposition to his leadership of the first trip and how the rivalry with former crewmate Ernest Shackleton spurred the second. 'Personality and character went on playing a decisive role in polar exploration long after it had been relegated to the margins of other history,' Crane writes, and for all the dramatic action, it is Scott the man who most captivates the author — and readers. 16 pages of photos, maps." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

With full access to all family papers and to the voluminous diaries and records of key participants in the Antarctic expeditions, this richly illuminating biography of Robert Falcon Scott is an absolutely convincing portrait of a complicated hero.

David Crane read history and English at Oxford University before becoming a lecturer at universities in Holland, Japan, and Africa. He lives in northwest Scotland.