One hundred years ago, the ambitions of Robert Falcon Scott and Roald Amundsen collided in near-simultaneous quests to claim the South Pole, the outcome of which was grand achievement mingled with bitter tragedy and selfless heroism, yielding one of the most powerful and moving stories in the history of exploration. Richly illustrated and beautifully written, "Race to The End" guides the reader along each team's journey through Earth's harshest, most unforgiving terrain. Ross MacPhee's piercing insight and keen storytelling illuminates not only the natural, biological, and scientific detail, but also the human and emotional motivation.
The highly illustrated pages feature diary entries, letters from members of the exploration teams, drawings, paintings, and photographs of the landscape, living quarters, equipment, and methods of transport. Images of the last items discovered with Scott and his four mates, who perished upon their return from the South Pole mere miles from the warmth and safety of their base camp, are published here for the first time. With special fold-out maps showing panoramas of the journeys taken, "Race to the End" is a beautifully told, impeccably researched, and stunningly illustrated account of the arduous quest for social advancement, scientific knowledge, recognition, and pride.