Top 10 books to read before, during, and after your Antarctica Expedition.
I would be lying if I said it was easy to pick a “Top 10” for this list. These books are listed in no particular order. If you have any other suggestions for books to be added to this list, please send us a message! At the bottom of the top 10 list, you’ll find some other notable mentions I think are worth a read. I hope you enjoy this list and would love any other feedback or recommendations!
Happy reading!
Cheers,
Neill
If you’re interested in purchasing one of these books, click on the title of the book or the photo of the cover. It will take you to Amazon where you will have option to either purchase a physical copy of the book or download it on your Kindle when applicable.
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1) THE STORIED ICE: Exploration, Discovery, and Adventure in Antarctica's Peninsula Region
I feel like whenever a new expedition guide shows up for their first day of work on the ship…one of the senior guides hands them this book and tells them not to come out of their cabin until they have read it twice. It’s an incredibly well-put-together book that encompasses the history of exploration in Antarctica from the very beginning all the way to modern day. It compiles all of the most notable expeditions and will introduce you to many of the stories the following books will go into in more depth. A great book to also have with you while on your expedition.
Written by Joan N Booth
2) Endurance: Shacklton’s Incredible Voyage
Next on the list is ‘Endurance’, as it’s the most famous story of exploration and survival in Antarctica; and for some may be the catalyst for them feeling drawn to Antarctica. This book tells the story of Ernest Shackleton and his men’s incredible journey onboard their vessel “Endurance”.
Written by Alfred Lansing
3) An Unsung Hero: Tom Crean
Shackleton was the primary public figure during his famously failed expedition. However, there were twenty-seven other men onboard the ship that all had a role in their survival. Tom Crean was the Second-officer onboard the Endurance and may be regarded as the most important member of the crew.
Written by Michael Smith.
4) Madhouse at the End of the Earth: The Belgica's Journey into the Dark Antarctic Night
A story about Adrien de’Gerlaches 1898 Belgica expedition. A fairly recently released book about the first documented ship and crew to overwinter in Antarctica. It’s a very fast-paced, thrilling read. It’s been making its rounds within the polar community; regarded as one of the absolute best reads regarding the early era of polar exploration. An absolute must-read.
Written by Julian Sancton
5) Antarctic Marine Wildlife: Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea & Scotia Sea
Hands down one of the most complete, comprehensive and informative books regarding the wildlife you can expect to see when visiting the Southern Ocean. It’s written by Jamie Watts, who is one of the most experienced expedition guides and marine scientists working in Antarctica. While I would like to joke that Jamie bullied me into putting his book on my list…he doesn’t actually know I’m adding it. It really is just a phenomenal resource of information; especially if you want to dive deep into understanding the wildlife of Antarctica, South Georgia, The Falkland Islands, and surrounding areas.
Written by Jamie Watts
6) Alone on the Ice: The Greatest Survival Story in the History of Exploration
Shackleton’s story is often regarded as the greatest story of survival. However, Shackleton cast very long shadows in the world of polar exploration due to his marketing and charisma. Sir Douglas Mawson was an Australian polar explorer and regarded as one of the greatest expedition leaders and explorers of the early 1900s. This book recounts his story of survival during his 1913 Australasian Antarctica Expedition when he fell into a crevasse. The book also displays a number of never before seen images by polar expedition photographer, Frank Hurley.
Written by Dave Roberts
7) Mrs. Chippy's Last Expedition: The Remarkable Journal of Shackleton's Polar-Bound Cat
Mrs. Chippy was the cat that was onboard Shackleton’s Endurance expedition. This book is a lighthearted, sometimes funny but still an ever-so-enjoyable read about the famously failed expedition. It’s written from the point of view of Mrs. Chippy’s “cat journal”. It’s a great read for kids and young adults as well.
Written by Caroline Alexander
8) The Last Place on Earth: Scott and Amundsen's Race to the South Pole
The South Pole was one of the most coveted prizes for the early era of polar exploration. With many failed attempts; no other story is more famous than the final race between Robert Scott and Roald Amundsen. This book is a fantastic recount of that race. It makes this complex story easy to follow while being gripping at the same time.
Written by Roland Huntford
9) Alone in Antarctica
Written by one of the most notable figures in modern day Antarctica exploration and well respected Antarctica expedition guide…Felicity Aston shares her experience on becoming the first (and only) woman in the World to ski across the entire continent of Antarctica. There were only two other successful attempts prior to her expedition, both had required the use of kites and machines. Felicity isn't just the first woman to cross Antarctica, she's also the first human in history to do so solely using her own muscles. It’s a breathtaking read that comes straight from the heart.
Written by Felicity Aston
10) The Worst Journey in the World
I’ve heard this called “The greatest polar book ever written”. It’s another story about Robert Scott’s fatal expedition to the South Pole, but written by the surviving member of the expedition Apsley Cherry-Garrard. If you’ve read some of the other stories about this expedition, including the above-mentioned “The last place on Earth”, then this is a fantastic follow-up read.
Written by Apsley Cherry-Garrard
Other notable reads.
South: The Illustrated Story of Shackleton's Last Expedition
