andrewritchie's review against another edition
4.0
4.5/ 5
If you want to read a positive portrayal of Captain Robert Falcon Scott the national hero and heroic but unfortunate explorer then this is not the book for you.
Huntford completely tears apart Scott's character, leadership style and ability leaving no doubt that all the blame for the tragedy that unfolded stood with him. At the same time he can't praise Amundsen's attributes enough.
Is he tough on Scott? Maybe, but the thoroughly researched evidence doesn't go in his favour. Is he overly effusive towards Amundsen? Possibly but again the evidence suggests far superior leadership, planning and implementation that delivered success.
The contrasting experience of similar conditions brought about by choice of people, equipment, mode of transport, animals and diet are all written about in detail and are all fascinating.
If you want to read a positive portrayal of Captain Robert Falcon Scott the national hero and heroic but unfortunate explorer then this is not the book for you.
Huntford completely tears apart Scott's character, leadership style and ability leaving no doubt that all the blame for the tragedy that unfolded stood with him. At the same time he can't praise Amundsen's attributes enough.
Is he tough on Scott? Maybe, but the thoroughly researched evidence doesn't go in his favour. Is he overly effusive towards Amundsen? Possibly but again the evidence suggests far superior leadership, planning and implementation that delivered success.
The contrasting experience of similar conditions brought about by choice of people, equipment, mode of transport, animals and diet are all written about in detail and are all fascinating.
brodeheim's review against another edition
3.0
This book can be a great exercise in critical thinking. Huntford’s bias for Amundsen and disdain against Scott can be very subtle (e.g. “Amundsen seemed to...”) or exaggerated (to the extent of accusing Scott of holding Wilson and Bowers back and dooming them to protect his reputation - with pretty much no evidence). I’m not too thrilled about his notions of femininity either, but it’s written in the 70s so gah, never mind. So just be very aware of his biases as you read, and after you’re done, check out other books on the race to the pole for a more balanced understanding. 3 stars for not keeping to a more objective point of view.
Shortcomings aside, this is really a great textbook on leadership and our perceptions of achievement. To Huntford’s credit, he takes great pains to explain the rationale behind all their expedition preparations, so people like me unacquainted with cold weather and outdoor treks can understand the rationale behind their decisions.
The thing that intrigued me (and riled Huntford) the most was this: Scott bungled (Huntford’s word of choice) the expedition and was doomed by his shoddy preparation and incompetence, yet dying in his self-manufactured struggle made him a hero in public eyes. Amundsen planned meticulously and made great decisions during the expedition, but the lack of near-deaths, starvation and unnecessary struggle doesn’t make for hero worship. Their dual tales are best summed up with what’s become a favourite quote of mine: “Adventure is a sign of incompetence.”
Shortcomings aside, this is really a great textbook on leadership and our perceptions of achievement. To Huntford’s credit, he takes great pains to explain the rationale behind all their expedition preparations, so people like me unacquainted with cold weather and outdoor treks can understand the rationale behind their decisions.
The thing that intrigued me (and riled Huntford) the most was this: Scott bungled (Huntford’s word of choice) the expedition and was doomed by his shoddy preparation and incompetence, yet dying in his self-manufactured struggle made him a hero in public eyes. Amundsen planned meticulously and made great decisions during the expedition, but the lack of near-deaths, starvation and unnecessary struggle doesn’t make for hero worship. Their dual tales are best summed up with what’s become a favourite quote of mine: “Adventure is a sign of incompetence.”
samhyatt2's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
overheat4600's review against another edition
5.0
What a great case study in two different approaches to an expedition. Amundsen trounced Scott at every turn, but Scott knew how to talk it up.
colinrafferty's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.5
lauradzpz's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
5.0
“Thus began the race for the South Pole. For the privilege of being the first to tread this useless yet so desirable spot, both men were prepared to drag themselves 1,500 miles across frozen wilderness, and face any extremity of suffering and danger. The poles of the earth had become an obsession of Western man. It could be argued against but not argued away. Since the obsession was there, it had to be exorcised, and the sooner the better.”
The last place on Earth is a fascinating account of the race to the South Pole. I must confess it took me some time to tackle this book as I found it a bit daunting and intimidating, far from it, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it and how easy it was for me to read. This is a must read for anyone interested in polar exploration. It is a well-researched book by an author versed in the subject, it´s well written and includes extracts from diaries and letters; maps and photographs that help to get immersed in the story and understand the context, the letters and diary entries are also very effective in giving a voice to the characters.
The book has a very clear structure, it doesn’t merely describe the race to the South Pole, it starts by summarizing the history of polar exploration, giving an insight on the various previous voyages and attempts to conquer both the North and South Poles. After this brief introduction to the subject, the author gives us an account of Scott’s and Amundsen’s lives, motives for their respective journeys and the previous experience they acquired before their expeditions. Then, Roland Hurnford proceeds to tell us how the race unraveled, we accompany Scott and Amundsen every step of the way, from the preparation and planification, to the arrival at the longed South Pole and back again.
One of the things I loved is how well Huntford describes life in the Antarctic regions, going into great detail and telling us about the diet, pastime activities and duties of each team during the long winter months, opening a window for us to fully understand what this long endeavors really consisted on: a lot of waiting and getting ready for the last and crucial stretch of the way.
If I was to criticize anything it would be that it's very clear from the beginning that Huntford is biased against Scott, something he doesn’t really pretend to hide at any point. He provides very detailed descriptions of Scott’s ineptitude and shortcuts, including aspects of his personality, leadership style and planification. In contrast, he’s really impressed with Amundsen’s performance throughout, going as far as saying that he was the best polar explorer. Bu even if he’s biased, Huntford explains Scott’s flaws withing the context of his life in the Royal Navy and the mentality and prejudice that came with that environment.
He shows incredibly well the contrast between both characters, Scott’s interest in the South Pole was a mean to an end, he was mainly trying to advance his career in the Navy. Amundsen on the other side, had been interested in polar exploration since his teen years. Where Scott improvised and cut corners, Amundsen planned everything to the millimeter and carried all the necessary preparations with plenty of time to deal with any eventuality. We discern Scott’s lack of forethought, risking the life of his men every step of the way, contrasting with Amundsen’s logic thinking and his lack of hesitation in turning back when the conditions were not favorable or ideal, he wouldn’t risk the life of this men.
Fram Polar Exploration Museum (Oslo), here I come!