Ice Man: The Remarkable Adventures of Antarctic Explorer Tom Crean

by Michael Smith

For many, the key image they have of Tom Crean is the one of his lovingly holding the puppies he took care of on Shackleton's Endurance expedition, the same puppies who would later have to be killed for food. His amazing adventures in the world's most hostile region are among the greatest tales of hardship and survival, and Michael Smith brings this man's story vividly to life for young readers. Tom Crean ran away from home at fifteen and lied about his age to join the Royal Navy. He served with Captain Scott on the Discovery Antarctic expedition and again later on the doomed Terra Nova expedition. He was among the last to see Scott alive and later he discovered Scott's tent and buried him. In May, 1914, he joined Shackleton's Endurance expedition and, after the ship sank, was one of the six, along with Shackleton, who sailed in the small boat to Elephant Island and later to South Georgia, and then back to the Island to save the castaways who had been left there-in August, 1916, more than two years after the expedition had begun.

Genres: Travel, History, Nonfiction, Biography, International

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads' database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Michael Smith gave up a 30 year career as a leading business and political journalist to write the bestselling biography, An Unsung Hero - Tom Crean. He was formerly Political Correspondent and Industrial Editor of the Guardian, City Editor of the London Evening Standard and Business Editor of the Observer. He has a long-standing interest in Polar expedition. He lives in East Sussex.

Reviews

[Jane Meagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting awe inspiring account of the explorations of Tom Crean. What an admirable man. The book is aimed at young readers and has ignited my interest in reading more of Michael Smith's more detailed books on Tom Crean.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this to my 8 year old and gave me a quick synopsis of his life and achievements. Looking forward to popping in for a quiet one at "The South Pole Inn" next time I'm home!

[Bina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my sons book from school that i picked up and read. i really enjoyed it and is a very easy read for children.

[Trenna Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the best written book and I found a few typos including printing South Africa when South America was what was meant. But ...... in many ways it is still riveting and great picture of what the men went through to explore the Antarctic. I loved the maps. They were very helpful and I referred to them often. We will be using this book for a geography class I am leading.

[Denise Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Crean is an Antarctic hero but few have heard the name. He joined the navy at the age of 15 to escape the hard life of an Irish farmer and unexpectedly had the opportunity to sail to Antarctica when another sailor became sick. An integral member of both Scott and Shackleton’s expeditions, Crean proved himself both a worthy sailor and explorer. What he accomplished in his time in the Antarctic is incredible. Tom Crean is single handedly responsible for saving the lives of 2 of his companions, then going on to take part in a remarkable, daring adventure to seek help for 22 stranded men trapped on Elephant Island. This is an inspiring real life account of adventure and exploration.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent children's account of tom Crean's adventures in the Antarctic. Includes a simple telling of the Shackelton expedition and Tom Crean's part in their survival.

[Kelleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it's an abridged version, or maybe a simplified reader?

[Maria Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

THis is a lovely easy read for a child about a great Irish hero.