The Worst Journey in the World
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The Worst Journey in the World
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The Worst Journey in the World
Despite the horrors that Scott and his men eventually faced, Cherry-Garrard's account is filled with details of scientific discovery and anecdotes of human resilience in a harsh environment, supported by diary excerpts and accounts from other explorers.
When people ask me... "What is your favourite travel book?" I nearly always name this book. It is about courage, misery, starvation, heroism, exploration, discovery and friendship' Paul Theroux
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! DescriptionThe Worst Journey in the World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard is a timeless classic of travel literature that chronicles one of the most harrowing expeditions ever undertaken. As one of the youngest members of Captain Robert Falcon Scott's ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition to Antarctica (1910-1913), Cherry-Garrard provides an intimate and vivid account of the trials and tribulations faced by the team in their quest to explore the uncharted territories of the frozen continent.
The narrative delves into the gruelling, often tragic journey through some of the most hostile environments on Earth. The author meticulously records the epic struggles against relentless cold, physical exhaustion, and psychological strain as the team fights for survival. The book is not just about the disasters and suffering; it is also a testament to human endurance, the pursuit of scientific knowledge, and the profound camaraderie that developed among the men.
Cherry-Garrard's eloquent writing brings to life the stark beauty of the Antarctic landscape, interspersed with the excitement of discovery, even as danger lurks at every turn. His portrayal of the legendary winter journey to Cape Crozier, undertaken with Edward Wilson and Henry Robertson Bowers to secure Emperor penguin eggs for scientific study, is particularly celebrated for its vivid detail and emotional depth.
This centennial reissue of the book includes an introduction by esteemed travel writer Sara Wheeler, who provides contemporary insights into the significance of Cherry-Garrard's work and its enduring impact on travel literature.
Praised by renowned author Paul Theroux, who calls it his favourite travel book due to its themes of courage, misery, starvation, heroism, exploration, discovery, and friendship, The Worst Journey in the World is a monumental piece of literature. The New York Review of Books likens its significance to that of War and Peace in the realm of novels, underscoring its status as a masterpiece.
The Worst Journey in the World remains a compelling read, recognised as the pinnacle of adventure writing by various critics and readers alike. In fact, it was voted the Number 1 book in National Geographic’s 100 Best Adventure Books of All Time, cementing its place as an essential read for anyone fascinated by tales of human perseverance and the exploration of the unknown.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Often hailed as the greatest polar book, it is considered a masterpiece of heroic travel and Antarctic exploration. Critics acclaim it as the finest adventure narrative ever published and a literary classic. Many admire its depth, with some readers having revisited it multiple times over their lives.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780099530374
Publisher: Vintage Publishing
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 01 April 2010
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Vintage Classics
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 45.0mm
Width: 128.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 562g
Pages: 720
About the Author
Apsley Cherry-Garrard (1886-1959) was one of the youngest members of Captain Scott's final expedition to the Antarctic which he joined to collect the eggs of the Emperor penguin. After the expedition, Cherry-Garrard served in the First World War and was invalided home. With the zealous encouragement of his neighbour, George Bernard Shaw, Cherry-Garrard wrote The Worst Journey in the World (1922) in an attempt to overcome the horror of the journey. As the years unravelled he faced a terrible struggle against depression, breakdown and despair, haunted by the possibility that he could have saved Scott and his companions.
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