The Worst Journey in the World: A Tale of Loss and Courage on Scott's Antarctic Expedition

The author, Apsley Cherry-Garrard, was 24 when he was chosen from among 8,000 volunteers to join Robert Falcon Scott on the scientific expedition that was, in part, a race with Amundsen to the South Pole. Scott did not return, and Cherry-Garrard was determined to honor the accomplishments of all who participated. But it is the courage and decency of the men that is the true tale here. Enthralling, harrowing and astounding. Paul Theroux names this book as one of his favorites and it is a masterpiece of adventure narrative.