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schopflin's review
4.0
This is an impressive work, probably 4.5. Absolutely spell-binding in its depiction of the polar journeys and intriguing in its characterisation. It's written with force, almost anger, that is probably a feature of the fact that it was the first to expose the myth of Scott's heroic failure. That's not always fun to read. But, mainly, I'm not giving 5 stars to anyone who unironically refers to "a known Lesbian" and uses an archaic and offensive term like "Eskimo" because 'it's what they would have said at the time'.
terann's review
5.0
An excellent analysis of both the Scott and Amundsen teams. Answers many questions. Highly recommended.
ericwelch's review against another edition
4.0
I've always been struck by the fact that the British revere Scott, a miserable failure, in my estimation. He was smug, didn't do his homework, and wasted resources on a doomed effort. Amundsen, on the other hand, studied the Eskimos to learn how to survive in harsh arctic conditions, learned how to use dogs, including eating them as they went along, and he breezed to the South Pole and back almost as easily as a walk in the park. Scott insisted on taking mules, which required that he haul hay along. Just ridiculous.
jboz's review against another edition
How (not) to win friends and influence people
sstallryan's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! I was consumed by this book. Amundsen and Scott on their race to the South Pole provide such a stark contrast of leadership. Amundsen, even with his slight mistakes and foibles was inspirational. Scott, on the other hand, was inept and his story is tragic. We all know how this story ended but this book is a must read!!!!
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