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Mind Over Matter the Epic Crossing of the Antarctic Continent
Tells of Ranulph Fiennes's and Michael Stroud's bid to cross the Antarctic continent without assistance. Equipment failure and injury dogged them; friendship turned to hatred. Yet when they were airlifted out more dead than alive, they had completed the longest unsupported journey in polar history.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
7 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Ranulph Fiennes
97 books284 followersSir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, 3rd Baronet, OBE, better known as Ranulph (Ran) Fiennes, is a British adventurer and holder of several endurance records.
Fiennes has written books about his army service and his expeditions as well as a book defending Robert Falcon Scott from modern revisionists. In May 2009, aged 65, he climbed to the summit of Mount Everest. According to the Guinness Book of World Records he is the world's greatest living adventurer.
Fiennes has written books about his army service and his expeditions as well as a book defending Robert Falcon Scott from modern revisionists. In May 2009, aged 65, he climbed to the summit of Mount Everest. According to the Guinness Book of World Records he is the world's greatest living adventurer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 25, 2008
Here, Fiennes gives account of his unsupported expedition roundtrip to the South Pole from Patriot Hills (coast) in Antarctica. His partner on the journey, Mike Stroud, wrote a similar testimony Shadows on the Wasteland that I did not read.
Unfortunately, Fiennes' story only adds another stanza in a long litany of Antarctic psuedo-tragedies. I say 'psuedo' because the struggles often seem caused less by the continent's perils than by the hubris and short-sightedness of those who travel it. Team after team performs the same ill-fated drama from the beginning of the 20th century. Unreasonable schedules, too little food and fuel, poor gear selection and useless science projects set the stage for disaster. Enter the players, good men but frequently incompatible as partners. As cold injuries and malnutrition amplify physical stress, the interpersonal tensions rise until the team finds itself screaming at one another, their gear, and the Ice.
Despite plenty of examples of crews that did NOT fall into this trap, Fiennes and Stroud conform to the role first played in 1911 by Robert F. Scott. No one dies this time around, only lose fingers and bits of nose, etc. Not too terrible, compared to others.
I only recommend this account (and by extension, Stroud's book) to die-hard Antarctic literature fans, mountaineers planning their own expedition, and sophomore psychology students at second-tier universities.
Unfortunately, Fiennes' story only adds another stanza in a long litany of Antarctic psuedo-tragedies. I say 'psuedo' because the struggles often seem caused less by the continent's perils than by the hubris and short-sightedness of those who travel it. Team after team performs the same ill-fated drama from the beginning of the 20th century. Unreasonable schedules, too little food and fuel, poor gear selection and useless science projects set the stage for disaster. Enter the players, good men but frequently incompatible as partners. As cold injuries and malnutrition amplify physical stress, the interpersonal tensions rise until the team finds itself screaming at one another, their gear, and the Ice.
Despite plenty of examples of crews that did NOT fall into this trap, Fiennes and Stroud conform to the role first played in 1911 by Robert F. Scott. No one dies this time around, only lose fingers and bits of nose, etc. Not too terrible, compared to others.
I only recommend this account (and by extension, Stroud's book) to die-hard Antarctic literature fans, mountaineers planning their own expedition, and sophomore psychology students at second-tier universities.
October 21, 2020
Very interesting account of the authors expedition. Also contained information on his leadership philosophy, equipment packed, ecology of Antarctica, physiological research into his and partners deterioration during the expedition, history of Antarctic exploration and political treaties of the area.
I didn't get a clear sense of why the author and his partner would subject themselves to the utter misery described. The cold, injuries, illnesses and deterioration of mental health brutally described and in my mind not worth it! I think the author was honest about the situations faced given the photographs of injuries, use of diary entries and frankness about his petty squabbles with teammate. This portrayed himself to be quite unlikable in some cases but given the circumstances he faced completely understandable.
Infuriatingly this book describes climate change in good depth which, given it publication date was 1993, is further evidence that climate change was pretty widely known well before now.
Would recommend for anyone interested in exploration.
Edit - Since Goodreads doesn't have the page number information my edition is 326pgs.
I didn't get a clear sense of why the author and his partner would subject themselves to the utter misery described. The cold, injuries, illnesses and deterioration of mental health brutally described and in my mind not worth it! I think the author was honest about the situations faced given the photographs of injuries, use of diary entries and frankness about his petty squabbles with teammate. This portrayed himself to be quite unlikable in some cases but given the circumstances he faced completely understandable.
Infuriatingly this book describes climate change in good depth which, given it publication date was 1993, is further evidence that climate change was pretty widely known well before now.
Would recommend for anyone interested in exploration.
Edit - Since Goodreads doesn't have the page number information my edition is 326pgs.
October 27, 2015
I thought this book was okay, but definitely not the best of the books I've read about Antarctic crossings. Fiennes' book is good in that it chronicles an epic journey of endurance. The persistence and endurance of these two men was truly amazing, but I found the repetitious explanation of the toll on their physical bodies a little tedious and boring at times. I much preferred Gareth Wood's "South to the Pole: 900 miles on foot." I did enjoy the quotes from other Antarctic explorers that are included.
October 13, 2021
Absolutely fascinating true story of incredible strength and endurance
March 19, 2020
Beyond superb.
July 26, 2016
I loved this book. A gripping account of a real life adventure. I think it was written to simply relay an amazing survival story, not as a masterpiece of literature. Some reviewers (arm chair critics) have dissed this book as just another account of a mediocre antarctic trek. This could not be further from the truth. The calculations and tradeoffs one has to make in order to go on a journey like this are astounding. A great read!
June 13, 2019
It's hard for adventure books like this to NOT be compelling: the hostile and unfamiliar environment, the near death experiences. You're onto a winner before you start, but that doesn't necessarily make them good books. What makes these books really readable is the human conflict which seems to go hand in hand with the physical conflict.
This is a book about a journey across a continent, a horrible journey which most sensible people cannot conceive of wanting to do. And yet, Ranulph Fiennes seems to relish the prospect, find it unavoidable even. This, then, is the most interesting thing about this book - what drives adventurers to risk life and limb?
Ranulph Fiennes intersperses text on the journey with snippets from past explorers which provides some background to the desire to explore. While this was interesting, there was perhaps too much of it in comparison with the actual journey. In itself this is understandable, because the sheer monotony of the journey, mile after mile of plodding is too repetitive to dwell on too much. Overall Fiennes does a good job of summarising the story into the juicy bits and exposing the conflicts in an open way. He doesn't hide from talking about the relationship and behaviours with his trekking partner - even when they don't reflect well on either of them.
In criticism, there is a bit too much of analysis of facts, figures, kit lists etc, and not quite enough action for this book to be really successful. Also, the pressure point at the end of the book - will they make the boat or not and avoid bankruptcy?!? Is left as an unresolved point which is unforgiveable.
Good book, but could be better. The human conflicts are great, the physical conflicts also compelling. Digging into past exploration and kitlists - only really interesting to fellow explorers.
This is a book about a journey across a continent, a horrible journey which most sensible people cannot conceive of wanting to do. And yet, Ranulph Fiennes seems to relish the prospect, find it unavoidable even. This, then, is the most interesting thing about this book - what drives adventurers to risk life and limb?
Ranulph Fiennes intersperses text on the journey with snippets from past explorers which provides some background to the desire to explore. While this was interesting, there was perhaps too much of it in comparison with the actual journey. In itself this is understandable, because the sheer monotony of the journey, mile after mile of plodding is too repetitive to dwell on too much. Overall Fiennes does a good job of summarising the story into the juicy bits and exposing the conflicts in an open way. He doesn't hide from talking about the relationship and behaviours with his trekking partner - even when they don't reflect well on either of them.
In criticism, there is a bit too much of analysis of facts, figures, kit lists etc, and not quite enough action for this book to be really successful. Also, the pressure point at the end of the book - will they make the boat or not and avoid bankruptcy?!? Is left as an unresolved point which is unforgiveable.
Good book, but could be better. The human conflicts are great, the physical conflicts also compelling. Digging into past exploration and kitlists - only really interesting to fellow explorers.
August 30, 2023
Owad’s Micro-Review #99
Known as the world’s greatest (and in some ways last) living explorer, the author of this bracing account of the first unsupported walk across the bottom of the world gives us an enthralling look at an epic errand. Frostbite, starvation and injury are all potentially fatal dangers as Fiennes and fellow explorer Mike Stroud attempt to haul 500-pound sleds over crevasses and through windswept barrens.
As the travelers burn through supplies and lose weight, frostbite edges toward gangrene and the physical and mental stresses drive a stake into a once-solid friendship. Not all challenges are foreseen. How do you deal with a coat collar that’s frozen to your face? What do you do when your fly gets stuck open and your hands are frozen numb? The moment-to-moment details will keep you on the edge of your seat. You’ll enjoy every page of this book.
Known as the world’s greatest (and in some ways last) living explorer, the author of this bracing account of the first unsupported walk across the bottom of the world gives us an enthralling look at an epic errand. Frostbite, starvation and injury are all potentially fatal dangers as Fiennes and fellow explorer Mike Stroud attempt to haul 500-pound sleds over crevasses and through windswept barrens.
As the travelers burn through supplies and lose weight, frostbite edges toward gangrene and the physical and mental stresses drive a stake into a once-solid friendship. Not all challenges are foreseen. How do you deal with a coat collar that’s frozen to your face? What do you do when your fly gets stuck open and your hands are frozen numb? The moment-to-moment details will keep you on the edge of your seat. You’ll enjoy every page of this book.
May 7, 2019
This book is one both my husband and I have read, several times over and we keep it as we find ourselves gravitating to it....maybe every harsh and snowy pacific nw Winter?....its just an amazing account of what the cover describes as "the epic crossing of the antarctic continent" by two men who are as different from one another as summer and winter, yet they are both connected, by this need to overcome environment, MotherEarth, whatever you wish to call a part of the world that is ice but climbers are drawn to....some things I didnt realize before reading is that of course! even in unhabitated parts of the world there is...human debris.
May 22, 2017
Great read and it zips along pretty briskly, as did the two adventurers.
Plenty of hard facts and figures for those that want them, but also lots of insight into the personal and physical dynamics of a 2 man trek. Interesting diary quotes from two perspectives but these are also tempered by saying that they can be used asa relief valve to avoid personal confontations under stressful circumstances. An amazing feat of human strength entirely unsupported and using only manpower. On top of all that, it was a charity fundraiser!
Plenty of hard facts and figures for those that want them, but also lots of insight into the personal and physical dynamics of a 2 man trek. Interesting diary quotes from two perspectives but these are also tempered by saying that they can be used asa relief valve to avoid personal confontations under stressful circumstances. An amazing feat of human strength entirely unsupported and using only manpower. On top of all that, it was a charity fundraiser!
November 17, 2017
A bit dry but very interesting none-the-less
November 29, 2022
Candid, terrifying and beautifully written! Absolutely incredible story. These guys are superheroes.
January 2, 2018
Fiennes tells the story of his expedition to Antarctica with Dr. Mike Stroud. In November 1992 Fiennes and Stroud, both veteran British polar explorers, set out to achieve the first unsupported crossing of Antarctica. This arduous journey, fraught with the hazards of Antarctic weather and terrain, broken equipment, and medical problems, came to an end 95 days and 1350 miles later, after the two had successfully crossed Antarctica (though not the entire Ross Ice Shelf). The account reveals a journey that took the explorers to the edge of their physical and psychological capabilities. Fiennes also interweaves an extensive history of Antarctic exploration and provides appendices detailing Antarctic topography, geography, and exploration history.
As an armchair explorer I found the book a compelling read, but I felt nonetheless strangely dissatisfied. It is one thing to say that they hauled 450-pound sledges over snow so cold that it was like beach sand in a wind-chilled -80 degrees, but quite another to make me understand what that actually felt like. Indeed, I don't really know if that's possible without it involving me spending some time as a polar explorer, but I expected something more like a story and something less like a chronicle.
Perhaps that's my fault, so, if you get a chance to read this book, please do. This is a remarkable story told by a remarkable man, but Sir Ernest Shackleton still has the edge when it comes to spinning a ripping yarn.
As an armchair explorer I found the book a compelling read, but I felt nonetheless strangely dissatisfied. It is one thing to say that they hauled 450-pound sledges over snow so cold that it was like beach sand in a wind-chilled -80 degrees, but quite another to make me understand what that actually felt like. Indeed, I don't really know if that's possible without it involving me spending some time as a polar explorer, but I expected something more like a story and something less like a chronicle.
Perhaps that's my fault, so, if you get a chance to read this book, please do. This is a remarkable story told by a remarkable man, but Sir Ernest Shackleton still has the edge when it comes to spinning a ripping yarn.
September 10, 2013
A single storm could have wiped us out, mind over matter notwithstanding, but Antarctica suffered our passing as a giant that allows a fly to crawl across his face.
Last line from Mind over Matter by Ranulph Fiennes but not really, since appendices follow that particular line. Interesting appendices, I might add. They’re definitely worth a read and explain more about the Antarctic adventure and polar exploration in general.
The relationship between Fiennes and Stroud reminded me of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman. I enjoyed reading about their adventure and couldn’t help but be amused by various mentions of crotch rot, though I’m sure it’s not for those who’ve had it. Alongside various other physical ailments there were numerous quotes from past explorers. I wouldn’t mind a few dispersed through the text but when half the book is made of quotes, the writing becomes disjointed. Although Fiennes mentioned he’s not an introspective man, he left me wishing he’d speak more about his own personal journey, rather than filling the book with matter from other minds.
Last line from Mind over Matter by Ranulph Fiennes but not really, since appendices follow that particular line. Interesting appendices, I might add. They’re definitely worth a read and explain more about the Antarctic adventure and polar exploration in general.
The relationship between Fiennes and Stroud reminded me of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman. I enjoyed reading about their adventure and couldn’t help but be amused by various mentions of crotch rot, though I’m sure it’s not for those who’ve had it. Alongside various other physical ailments there were numerous quotes from past explorers. I wouldn’t mind a few dispersed through the text but when half the book is made of quotes, the writing becomes disjointed. Although Fiennes mentioned he’s not an introspective man, he left me wishing he’d speak more about his own personal journey, rather than filling the book with matter from other minds.
February 16, 2012
I loved this book! And I really admired Ranulph Feinnes and Mike Stroud. I have always enjoyed reading about adventurers. I know some people consider this kind of effort pointless but not me! There are plenty of things I wouldn't do (bungee jumping, pot holing) just because it really doesn't appeal but lots of other things I would, if I had the chance.
I found the account of the relationship between the two men fascinating as well as their tenacity and determination in completeing the task they had set. Good for them, I say.
I found the account of the relationship between the two men fascinating as well as their tenacity and determination in completeing the task they had set. Good for them, I say.
August 2, 2010
I guess to walk across Antartica dragging everything you and your partner will need on sledges for over 100 days takes some kind of combination of crazy and arrogant. and the arrogant is evident in Fienne's story of how he and Mike Stroud did just that.
I was gripped though by how these men survived such awful conditions.
I don't really get why someone would want to do this - but maybe simply because it is there.
Glad I listened to this book - reminded me of the strength within us
I was gripped though by how these men survived such awful conditions.
I don't really get why someone would want to do this - but maybe simply because it is there.
Glad I listened to this book - reminded me of the strength within us
July 31, 2011
I really enjoyed this factual account of two men walking to the South Pole pulling giant sledges behind them. The writing was excellent, really conveyed the sense of living on the edge of civilization, not knowing whether you would even survive or not. The photographs of the resulting frostbite were pretty gruesome too!
December 26, 2007
the crazy thing is that I read this book, which is about a trak acrossed Antarctica, and now here I am, in Antarctica. He mentions an all women team that was skiing acrossed the contient the same season as him, one of those women currently works down here.
July 8, 2010
I was interested in what drives a person to want to put themselves through such "hell". The title says it, it is a physical challenge to say the least, but to survive, it is an unbelievable mental challange.
March 18, 2012
The closest thing you can get to the privations and pain of a polar expedition (doing it properly, unsupported and on foot) without actually getting cold - though you will feel some of that cold as you read it. Fiennes is a remarkable storyteller.
December 2, 2012
Shouldn't start reading books like this t midnight, can't put it down. Though the pictures are a little gruesome. And I wish he'd at least worn pants in tne photo of his emaciated body.... Excellent reading so far though, makes you appreciate how pathetic your endeavours are in comparison.
August 27, 2018
I couldnt put this book down. I am an armchair adventurer but I have been to Antarctica (but on the comfort of an eco-tour) & couldnt imagine being out there just 'alone' with friend. It was exceptional I thought. I read it years ago.
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March 9, 2009second cousin to Ralph
dumb book about English pride
they fail at everything, even if they are the first to attempt
dumb book about English pride
they fail at everything, even if they are the first to attempt
November 15, 2009
Good read.....I never want to go to the Artic
December 30, 2010
The man is a nutter and this book goes some way toward proving it. A good read from 1999.
March 17, 2012
"Can two people walk together except they be agreed?" -Amos
January 5, 2013
Inspiring
June 21, 2016
Read this book 21 years ago and all the elements stuck to me....and thinking of the unimaginable power of the mind to overcome and surpass any hinderance is awesome.....
January 29, 2024
Fantastic book about extreme hardship
April 18, 2017
Another warts and all tale of ridiculous endurance and how people in close constant proximity start to not like each other much. The author doesn't pull his punches. It seems impossible that man could manage such endeavours. Reading this, it seems even more impossible that he should ever want to. Made me shiver just looking at the cover.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews