To the Edges of the Earth by Edward J. Larson - 4 stars (BWF)

[Joy D]

To the Edges of the Earth: 1909, the Race for the Three Poles, and the Climax of the Age of Exploration by Edward J. Larson - 4* - My Review

This book recounts three expeditions that took place in 1909: Robert Peary's attempt to reach the North Pole, Ernest Shackleton's effort to reach the South Pole, and the Duke of Abruzzi's assault on the K2 in the Karakoram. It is well-written and well researched. It puts the three expeditions in context by covering the history of previous polar explorations. It also covers Douglas Mawson’s attainment of the South Magnetic Pole, and Frederick Cook’s claim to have reached the North Pole, which was later debunked.

It is structured in an alternating narrative between Peary’s North Pole and Shackleton’s South Pole endeavors, with a separate later segment on the Duke of Abruzzi’s mountaineering. The author portrays both the strengths and faults of the leaders of these expeditions. I feel the structure got in the way a bit, and that the story of the “third pole” (altitude) does not really fit very well with the other two. While interesting, it seems extraneous.

Despite the rather arbitrary inclusion of a “third pole,” I found the content informative and entertaining. The author does not scrimp on the discomforts they faced, such as frostbite, starvation, unpredictable weather conditions, and threats of falling into constantly shifting crevasses, not to mention having to kill and eat their transportation. I am always amazed that the early explorers achieved so much despite the lack of modern fabrics and equipment. It will appeal to those interested in early explorations in the extreme cold.

PBT October BWF Extra T/L and tagged "travel" x10