An Empire of Ice

Scott, Shackleton, and the Heroic Age of Antarctic Science

By: Edward J. Larson

Narrated by: John Allen Nelson

Published to coincide with the centenary of the first expeditions to reach the South Pole, An Empire of Ice presents a fascinating new take on Antarctic exploration. Retold with added information, it's the first book to place the famed voyages of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, his British rivals Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton, and others in a larger scientific, social, and geopolitical context. Efficient, well prepared, and focused solely on the goal of getting to his destination and back, Amundsen has earned his place in history as the first to reach the South Pole. Scott, meanwhile, has been reduced in the public mind to a dashing incompetent who stands for little more than relentless perseverance in the face of inevitable defeat.

An Empire of Ice offers a new perspective on the Antarctic expeditions of the early 20th century by looking at the British efforts for what they actually were: massive scientific enterprises in which reaching the South Pole was but a spectacular sideshow. By focusing on the larger purpose, Edward Larson deepens our appreciation of the explorers' achievements, shares little-known stories, and shows what the Heroic Age of Antarctic discovery was really about.

©2011 Edward J. Larson (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Larson succeeds in [his] approach to the popular subject of polar exploration by wrapping the science in plenty of dangerous drama to keep readers engaged." ( Booklist)

Interesting topic, good narration.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

What other book might you compare An Empire of Ice to and why?

Have you listened to any of John Allen Nelson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

N/A

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, it takes time to digest.

Any additional comments?

Story good, narrator not so

Good factual information. Narrator was most irritating with a very fake British accent, really annoying. There are recordings of most Antarctic explorers from that era and accents can be easily checked.

Good narration, poor argument

Although the author highlights many of the notably important contributions to science by Scott and Shackleton it focuses on Scott. Despite this the author multiple times contradicts themselves and states that Scott’s contributions were lackluster based on poor leadership despite seemingly large resources. I think this book is further evidence of Scott being a “Bungler” as stated by Roland Huntford. Nevertheless this is an important addition to the library of Antarctic Heroic Age books and is enjoyable to listen to highlighting many of the scientists involved in the Discovery, Nimrod, and Terra Nova expeditions. I do suggest this book especially if you are interested in Antarctica or science involving the Antarctic Continent, but do take many of the arguments made here with a grain of salt and critically examine the facts.

Well-researched

This book provides the necessary, scientific backdrop, to Scott's sacrifice. It was helpful, to read about the wider context that surrounded the polar expeditions.

Good, interesting story, but not always gripping

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Probably not. It has some very interesting and educational parts, but also some dull spots.

What three words best describe John Allen Nelson’s voice?

Dull at times

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No, because the strengths of this book are in the details that would be lost in a movie.