This is the definitive biography of Captain Scott - the pivotal figure in pre-First World War Antarctic exploration. Crane's beautifully written and illustrated book re-examines the courage and tragedy of Scott's expedition and reasserts his position in the pantheon of British heroes.
It seems a pity, but I do not think I can write more . . . For God's sake look after our people.
These were the final words written in Scott's diary on 29 March 1912 as he lay dying in his tent with Birdie Bowers and Edward Wilson. Since then Scott has been the subject of many books - many hagiographical, others dismissive and scathing. Yet in all the pages that have been written about him, the personality behind the legend has been forgotten or distorted beyond all recognition.
David Crane's magisterial biography, based on years of close and detailed research with the original documents, redresses this completely. By reassessing Scott's life and his substantial scientific achievements, Crane is able to provide a fresh and exciting perspective on both the Discovery expedition of 1901-04 and the Terra Nova expedition of 1910-12.
One of the great strengths of this biography is Scott's own voice, which echoes through the pages.
Written with the full support of Scott's surviving relatives and with access to the voluminous diaries and records of key participants, this definitive biography sets out to reconcile the very private struggles of the man with the very public life of extremes that he led.
