Of ice and men: The story of the British Antarctic Survey, 1943-73

by Vivian Fuchs

This work explores the early struggles, tradgedies and successes of the members of the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey over 30 years. They are described by Sir Vivian Fuchs, a former field commander of six small Antarctic stations and the survey's director until 1973.

384 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 1982

Reviews

[Mike Prochot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly interesting and entertaining read.

Illustrates and documents the incredible trials and successes of the BAS from it's beginnings during WW2 to 1973. One gets a sense of the enormity of trying to get a handle on the complex workings of the Antarctic continent - a task still going on today.

A tale of unsurpassed dangers, hard won victories, government shortcomings, raw courage, human frailty and team spirit.

The message is that we are still learning about the inner workings of the ecology of the continent. My guess is that we will never understand it all. Nature likes it that way.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cracking good read - funny, nail biting & sad - v enjoyable