In connection with the world-famous American Museum of Natural History: the gripping true story of the race to the South Pole. A beautifully told, impeccably researched, and stunningly illustrated account of the arduous quest to reach the last place on earth--for scientific knowledge, king and country, and the rewards that come with recognition. A century ago, two explorers from vastly different backgrounds--Robert Falcon Scott on the British side and Roald Amundsen on the Norwegian--set out with their companions for the South Pole. The race between these ideal antagonists resulted in grand heroism, bitter tragedy, and the birth and perpetuation of myths that have lingered ever since. Race to The End takes readers along on each team's trek to glory--a harrowing journey across Earth's harshest, most unforgiving terrain. MacPhee--a polar scientist himself--not only tells a superb story about the competition to be the first to stand at 90°S, but also provides keen insights into the scientific and cultural milieu of the heroic age of Antarctic exploration. Using the explorers' own voices, he takes up the existential question always asked of those who embark on dangerous but potentially life-changing journeys: why do it? The book's extensively illustrated pages feature diary entries, letters, drawings, paintings, and period photographs. An added highlight is a series of never-before-published images of objects associated with the men of the British and Norwegian teams, including items recovered from Scott's last camp--where he died with his companions, mere miles from food and warmth.
