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Alone on the Ice

The Greatest Survival Story in the History of Exploration
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( 5,047 ratings, 617 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Alone on the Ice by David Roberts explores the harrowing journey of explorer Douglas Mawson and his survival against the odds in Antarctica during the Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1911–1914. The book captures the extreme challenges and relentless environment faced, while highlighting Mawson's remarkable determination and endurance in the world's harshest continent. This gripping account delves into one of history's greatest survival stories, offering both historical depth and thrilling adventure.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by tales of survival and endurance in extreme conditions. It tells the gripping story of an Antarctic expedition, highlighting the incredible perseverance and resilience of explorers facing life-threatening challenges. If you're interested in real-life exploration adventures that push human limits, this account will captivate and inspire you.

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"Gripping and superb. This book will steal the night from you." β€”Laurence Gonzales, author of Deep Survival

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! Description

On January 17, 1913, alone and near starvation, Douglas Mawson, leader of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, was hauling a sledge to get back to base camp. The dogs were gone. Now Mawson himself plunged through a snow bridge, dangling over an abyss by the sledge harness. A line of poetry gave him the will to haul himself back to the surface.

Mawson was sometimes reduced to crawling, and one night he discovered that the soles of his feet had completely detached from the flesh beneath. On February 8, when he staggered back to base, his features unrecognizably skeletal, the first teammate to reach him blurted out, "Which one are you?"

This thrilling and almost unbelievable account establishes Mawson in his rightful place as one of the greatest polar explorers and expedition leaders. It is illustrated by a trove of Frank Hurley's famous Antarctic photographs, many never before published in the United States.

Alone on the Ice by David Roberts brings this incredible adventure to life, capturing the heroism and resilience of a man who pushed the limits of human endurance.

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?

David Roberts delivers an engaging and well-researched narrative of Antarctic exploration filled with harrowing adventure. Reviewers praise it for bringing attention to Douglas Mawson, an overlooked hero, with a vivid depiction of extreme survival against the odds. The story draws on the accounts of expeditionary members, offering a seamless and gripping recount of their challenging journey.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780393347784

Publisher: WW Norton & Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 March 2014

Country: United States

Imprint: WW Norton & Co

Illustration: 24 pages of illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 211.0mm

Weight: 309g

Pages: 400

About the Author

David Roberts (1943–2021) was the author of thirty books on mountaineering, exploration, and anthropology. His books have won the Boardman Tasker Award for Mountain Literature and the Grand Prize at the Banff Mountain Book Competition.

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