Exploration/Adventure Books

[loops]

As mentioned in another thread, i've recently read

No Shortcuts to the Top by Ed Viesturs....his tales of conquering all 14 eight thousand meter peaks. It was a fascinating read about the hardships and mental drive that accompanies these types of extreme challenges.



Reflecting on this book, i realize i'm drawn to similar real life tales of adventure...and wanted to share with you a few other fascinating historical books i've enjoyed reading.

[loops]

Re: Exploration/Adventure Books

The Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing



Shackleton's goal was to cross the Antarctic over land. A year into his voyage, the ship was trapped and crushed in the ice. Shackleton and his crew survived 5 months on floe ice after that...the heroic manner in which Shackleton saves all 27 men from perishing in this adventure is an amazing story.

[loops]

Re: Exploration/Adventure Books

The Last Place on Earth by Roland Huntford



this one is about the race to discover the South Pole between Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott. It's a comparison of how each tackled the expedition. Amundsen wins the race, while Scott arrives a month later and dies on his return....having made some technical errors and foolish choices along the way. Oddly enough, Scott became heralded as the great explorer due to his way with words, while Amundsen was forgotten. This happened in 1911....imagine the rudimentary gear used for this voyage way back when.

[loops]

Re: Exploration/Adventure Books

i've got a few more...but must get some work done for a bit.

[SandiF]

Re: Exploration/Adventure Books

I enjoy the adventure/exploration books as well.. Have you read Into Thin Air?

I saw Shackleton's Adventure on IMAX and was mesmerised.