An Empire of Ice Audiobook By Edward J. Larson cover art

An Empire of Ice

Scott, Shackleton, and the Heroic Age of Antarctic Science

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An Empire of Ice

By: Edward J. Larson
Narrated by: John Allen Nelson
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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 20th Century Adventure Travel Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Arctic & Antarctica Earth Sciences Expeditions & Discoveries History History & Philosophy Modern Science World Adventure Polar Region Explorer Discovery Inspiring

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)
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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.

Well-researched

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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?

Interesting topic, good narration.

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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.

Good, interesting story, but not always gripping

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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.

Story good, narrator not so

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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.

Good narration, poor argument

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This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

No one. It is rubbish

What was most disappointing about Edward J. Larson’s story?

It is poorly researched and full of inaccuracies. Dates, Places, Distance are massively wrong in so many places. These are not small mistakes but problems that change the scope of the story. Shackleton made it to 87 degrees on Nimrod, not 82. Scott only got to 82 degrees years earlier. The Fram expedition ended in Spitzbergen, it did not begin there etc and so it goes on.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narration was ok

What character would you cut from An Empire of Ice?

Do some research first, lots of research.

Any additional comments?

Do not waste your time or money on this.

Rubbish

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