The thrilling account of the British Captain Robert Falcon Scotts ill fated race to the South Pole is based on his diaries found with him in the tent ,where he perished with his companions on his return trip from the South Pole in 1912.

It’s a captivating account of polar exploration in the early 20th century - the preparation , the treacherous voyage , finding a safe place to come ashore and establish a base camp. The encounters with orca whales breaking ice with their backs, to try pull in the dogs, men  and sledges carrying supplies is fascinating.

It’s an indication of having to learn fast and be adaptable to the brand new challenges with this uncharted territory.

There are descriptions of heating and cooking with blubber -as well as conserving supplies and hunting seals and penguins as a food source.

Suffice to say the Norwegian Roald Amundsen - beat the British expedition to the pole by 33 days.

The tragic horror of the trek on foot pulling sledges and finding the Norwegian flag  at the South Pole is captivating.

Suffice to say with dwindling food supplies and treacherous blizzards, Scott and 5 of his men -out of a team of 65 -perished frozen to death in their tent on the return.

This book is based on the diaries and over time there has been more critical analysis of the failings of the British expeditions’ planning and implementation - versus the initial assessment of Scott as a tragic hero.

Some have argued the scientific research that was conducted could have ran counter to the focus of a 100% race to the pole enacted by Amundsen.

Either way its a fascinating account of early historical polar exploration.

More info here:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220469.Scott_s_Last_Expedition