polar regions

Just finished reading this book about a truly amazingadventure. Even though the ending is known from the beginning, itkeeps you in suspense. I've read many books about the early explorers of the North and South Poles, but this one keeps you on the edge the whole time. Absolutely terrific!

I read this book when it was first published and was captivated by the heroic nature of Mawson's journey druing which both of his companions died.It is a remarkable tribute to a man of very unusual abilities. Unlike the Scott expeditions, which were of no significant scientific importance, Mawson was a trained geologist with an interest in locating the South Magnetic Pole and extablishing its geographic variation. He was also the first to establish communication by radio to Australia from Antarcticia via a relay station on Mcquery Island. Read this book to appreciate how a man driven to the extreme manages to survive under conditions which are almost impossible to believe. Ponder on his accomplishments compared to those of Scott and marvel at how the British managed to make a hero out of Scott, a villain of Amundsen and a foot note in polar history of Mawson. Amundsen is reported to have described Scott as one of the better sled dogs the British brought to Antarcticia. This was in part a response to the way his success was received by them. For those interested in the details of Mawson's Austrialian- New Zealand expedition, a reprint of his own book is now available. It makes interesting reading as well

I first learned about Mawson when reading a children's book on Antartic Explorers. First of all, I read Shackleton's "South" and found that to be a great adventure on saving 20+ men... but Mawson's is a whole different situation. Imagine traveling with 2 buddies, dozen dogs, plenty of food, and equipment. Now imagine that being taken away from you in the middle of Antartica, hundred miles from base camp! What a survival story! What emotions he must have went through! It was Providence that saved him! Read this story especially if you are interested in your own faith and positive attitude.
WOW!!!!