Book Review- Scott of the Antarctic: A Life of Courage and Tragedy by David Crane

Scott of the Antarctic: A Life of Courage and Tragedy by David Crane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars




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This book lays bare all the foibles of human character, yet at the same time it manages to preserve Scott's story as an inspiring one of sacrifice, and heroism, compelling leadership, dogged determination and something especially compelling even in the face of failure. Failure to achieve the goal of first to plant a flag at the Pole, and failure to get his team home to safety. I cannot help but feel the lives expended in the way they were deserved a better reason for the sacrifice they gave. I think near the end this was even perhaps their own reflection.

For me the book took on a greater significance when I read the following comment by David Crane when interviewed about his biography. After spending five years researching the life of Robert Falcon Scott his biographer, David Crane was asked: “What was the most moving moment in your research?” His unhesitating reply was upon reading personal notes in the prayer book of Scott’s friend, fellow explorer and one of those who perished with him- Dr Edward Wilson. 

“…It’s one of those unbearable documents. It’s very, very moving. At the beginning he’s written… good protestant theology- that because Christ has died for us there is nothing more we need to do. That is the faith in which he died and by which he lived, To have in your hand the physical evidence of that faith is wonderfully touching…Wilson’s prayer book wakes you up to a different culture, a different world, a different concept of humanity.”