| Synopsis: |
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the South Pole was the most coveted prize in the modern age of exploration. In this brilliant dual biography every detail of the great race to the South Pole during 1911-1912, between Britain's Robert Scott and Norway's Roald Amundsen, is examined and re-assessed. Scott, who died along with four of his men, became Britain's beloved failure, whilst Amundsen, who not only beat Scott to the Pole but returned alive, was until recently largely forgotten. In this fully revised and meticulously researched work, Roland Huntford gives a fascinating account of the realities which faced both men. He describes the driving ambition of the era and the complex, often deeply flawed individuals who were charged with carrying them out. Tim Pigott-Smith narrates with clarity and style. A distinguished actor, Tim first came to prominence in television's "A Jewel in the Crown". Throughout a successful film, television and theatre career he has always retained a passion for the spoken word. |