Antarctica: An Intimate Portrait of a Mysterious Continent
From the early expeditions of Ernest Shackleton to David Attenborough’s documentary series Frozen Planet, the continent of Antarctica has captured the world’s imagination. After the Antarctic Treaty of 1961, decades of scientific research revealed the true extent of its many mysteries. Now former Nature magazine staff writer Gabrielle Walker tells the full story of Antarctica—from its fascinating history to its uncertain future and the international teams of researchers who brave its forbidding climate.
Drawing on her broad travels across the continent, Walker weaves all the significant threads of life on the vast ice sheet into a multifaceted narrative, illuminating what it really feels like to be there and why it draws so many different kinds of people. She chronicles cutting-edge science experiments, visits to the South Pole, and unsettling portents about our future in an age of global warming.
“We are all anxious Antarctic watchers now, and Walker's book is the essential primer.”—The Guardian, UK
Reviews (91)
Fascinating, Deeply Scientific, Completely Readable and Engrossing
Gabrielle Walker is a scientist who writes like a novelist and the result is a fascinating book about a place that is highly relevant to today's world and what is happening ecologically. Honestly I thought I'd only read the last third which is about the part I'll be visiting. However, as usual I started with the introduction and found I was into the first chapter and didn't want to put it down! I'm reading slowly, taking notes and bookmarking pages: and still haven't gotten to the part I thought would be the only one of interest! I knew Antarctica was an interesting place to go but Walker is enticing me with ideas of how awe inspiring it is. From the theoretical history of how it became frozen and separated into its own land mass to the ecological warning signs for our future and the variety of work being done there it is a book you want to binge read but will force yourself to take it slowly to really internalize every bit. Whether you're going to Antarctica or are just interested in why this spot at the bottom of the world captivates the attention and draws so many people who are not scientists, you will be engrossed in this book. Get it, read it, you'll be so very glad you did.
Buy this book!
If you have even a mild interest in Antarctica buy this book. The author has weaved so many animals, knowledge, science, characters and history of the Seventh Continent into this book for your reading. It gives you a greater perspective of what is being researched on Antarctica along with wonderful anecdotes of Scott, Amundsen, and members of the collective explores that saw a purpose to endure and perish. Along with insights into what is being performed by dedicated men and women on Antarctica today.
Just ok. Too much irrelevant side stories
It was just ok. Although it gave a pretty good picture of life on various parts of Antarctica and the stations, it seemed to me the author went off on too many tangents and a some stories that weren’t relevant to the actual picture of Antarctica. It was longer than it needed to be and some of the meandering could have been left out. I found myself skimming through much of it
I can't say anything that others have not
Amazing, well written. Tells not only about the science and really focuses on the climate science that goes on there. It also focuses on the history of Antarctica exploration. All were written and informative, but where the book shines is where she talks about the routine life t bases in Antarctica. The food, bars and yes a school.
Perfect Place to Start Learning about Antarctica
I chose this book because I thought it would be an overview of Antarctica, a place I've wanted to know more about for a long time. It was that and so much more. It's the perfect place to start learning about the continent. "Antarctica: An Intimate Portrait of the Word's Most Mysterious Continent" is a profound narrative of the author's stay on the continent. She spent quite a bit of time there, and shares it all - the scientific studies she visited and took part in, the history she found, the people she met, and the feelings she had along the way. I appreciate that the author didn't get too technical, but the material isn't "dumbed down" either. It's exactly the right narrative for us non-scientists and history nerds. I really couldn't ask more from a book like this. It was a more than satisfying read. Thanks to the fantastic notes the author has left us, including a list of "further reading," it will be easy to find out more about this lonely, dynamic continent. I'll be searching out more of Gabrielle Walker's writings. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
An engrossing read
Back in my freshman year of college, I had a survey course in Antarctica with a geologist who worked there. Hearing first-hand accounts of living there and the science that goes on had me really enjoying this book. It’s nicely balanced, with history and science applied as needed throughout the narrative.
The Best
This is the best book I have ever read on Antarctica - and I have read many. First I borrowed it in hard copy from our local library. I had to sign up on a waiting list to get it. Then I decided I had to own it, so I downloaded it to my Kindle Fire. Now I can go back and read again the parts of this book I found particularly fascinating. It's hard to choose which ones those are, since all of the chapters are full of wondrous facts and stories. No one who has ever dreamed of going to Antarctica should miss this book. If you're planning a trip there, this is a must have, must read.
Everything to know about the Antarctic continent in one book
I was lucky enough to go to The Antarctic peninsula last year and it was so lovely to begin this book before leaving and finishing while on our trip. A beautifully written and fascinating book.
Walking with penguins is an unforgettable experience.
Loved the book! I learned a lot about living in such a harsh place. It is beautiful and terrifying at the same time. A hard expensive trip and I would love to go back!
Best of Antarctica
It’s an excellent book for anyone interested in international activities of Antarctica past and present . It’s also very brilliant presentation of continent’s very soul or what little of it is exposed to us humans .
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