[Pontig] has given us a fascinating narrative of fortitude and achievement and a mass of information about the Antarctic that is otherwise unobtainable. One of the most entertaining and instructive of books. (The New York Times )

Mr. Pontig’s book must be considered to have a very important place in the literature of the Antarctic. (The Boston Transcript )

Herbert G. Ponting (1870-1935) was a world traveler, pioneering photographer, and lecturer. Roland Huntford is author of Shackleton, The Last Place on Earth, and Nansen. He lives in Cambridge, England.

Herbert G. Ponting (1870-1935) was a world traveler, pioneering photographer, and lecturer. Roland Huntford is author of Shackleton, The Last Place on Earth, and Nansen. He lives in Cambridge, England.

Photographer Ponting joined Robert Scott’s expedition to the South Pole in 1910. His remarkable book not only tells of the life among Scott’s crew on board and at camp, but also provides numerous photos depicting the Antarctic landscape. Ponting also recorded, both in print and on film, habits of the native penguins and seals, and shares stories of his arrival at volcanic Mount Erebus, nearly losing a team of dogs in a crevasse, and escaping a harrowing run-in with a pack of killer-whales. Ponting also tells of the struggle to survive in the extreme conditions at the pole, and how Scott died with two of his crewmen shortly after achieving their goal.

[Pontig] has given us a fascinating narrative of fortitude and achievement and a mass of information about the Antarctic that is otherwise unobtainable. One of the most entertaining and instructive of books.

Mr. Pontig’s book must be considered to have a very important place in the literature of the Antarctic.

The Great White South: Traveling with Robert F. Scott’s Doomed South Pole Expedition

Race to The End: Amundsen, Scott, and the Attainment of the South Pole

MacPhee is the curator of an exhibit running May 2010January 2011 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City about the geographic and scientific exploration of Antarctica; his volume chronicles the continents two most celebrated pioneers. Drawing from and synthesizing the literature about Roald Amundsen and Robert Scott and their epic treks to the South Pole a century ago, MacPhee wends his text around a profusion of imagery that should excite both the novice and veteran reader of polar exploration. Photographs from both leaders expeditions and present-day studio poses of artifacts enrich MacPhees factual rendering of events and, in the case of Scott, his restrained comments on the reasons for Scotts and his mens expiration on their return from the pole. If many of Scotts decisions were questionable, few then and only the churlish since question the heroism that attaches to his fate. An attractive package, this title will answer immediate requests and might provoke deeper interest in MacPhees classic sources, such as Amundsens South Pole (1912) and Apsley Cherry-Garrards Worst Journey in the World (1937). –Gilbert Taylor

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 Norways Roald Amundsen two explorers with vastly different visionsset 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 Polea journey through Earths 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.

Race to The End: Amundsen, Scott, and the Attainment of the South Pole