Introduction
The Early Years of Antarctic Exploration
The Discovery and Nimrod Expeditions
Terra Nova
Endurance
Scott, Shackleton and the Great War
Scott and Shackleton in the Mid-20th Century The Decline of Scott
and the Rise of Shackleton in the Late 20th Century
Epilogue: Scott's Revival
A study of the Antarctic explorers Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton. As well as their most heroic expeditions, the author looks in detail at just how and why their individual reputations have evolved over the course of the last century.
A specialist in modern British cultural history, Stephanie Barczewski is Professor of History at Clemson University in South Carolina, USA, where she has taught since 1996. In 2005 she became Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities at Clemson. She is the author of numerous books.
Exciting...As Stephanie Barczewski observes in "Antarctic
Destinies" the meaning of the tales -- along with their moral
lessons and cultural appeal -- has shifted over the course of a
century.
*The Wall Street Journal*
Antarctic Destinies is a fascinating story of culture and cultural
identity. Barczewski raises interesting questions about what it
means to be a hero and how heroes are made. [Barczewski's] book is
an excellent and thought-provoking addition to the literature on
these two compelling men and their incredible expeditions.
*The Seattle Times*
Barczewski's book is a valuable addition...her unusual analysis of
our Antarctic heroes provides us with a mirror in which we can see
our own failings reflected in our changing cultural ideals.
*Times Higher Education Supplement, 2008.*
A brilliantly innovative way of exploring how society changes.
*Good Book Guide, 2008*
...Any general-interest library strong in exploration history and
Antarctic history in general will find this invaluable.
*Midwest Book Review, May 2008*
[T]o read Barczewski's account of Shackleton's hazardous enterprise
is to be thrilled by his resourcefulness. Every detail is
fascinating... Antarctic Dertinies is fascinating proof that, far
from being fixed, history is the one subject that is going to be
constantly rewritten.
*Daily Express, 2008*
A painstakingly researched and hugely readable book.
*The Scotsman, 2008.*
A well researched historiography of the volimunous literature on
both of these explorers...fascinating.
*British Scholar Journal, September 2008.*
Barczewski (Clemson) has written a cultural history of the changing
reputations of two Antarctic explorers, Robert Scott and Ernest
Shackleton...Barczewski examines even the minutest references to
the two explorers in memorials, books, and media...her discussion
of Roland Huntford's Scott and Amundsen (CH, Nov'80) as the key to
the decline in Scott's esteem is levelheaded and addresses many of
Huntford's excesses well. Her conclusions could be summed up in a
quote from her text: "Heroes' reputations will inevitably change as
fashions change." Modern reputations rest on what is valued now,
and what society wants to believe of the past in light of those
values. Summing Up: Recommended. All academic levels/libraries.
*CHOICE, February 2009*
[A] compelling narrative. This is a fine contribution to the
literature, one which serious polar enthusiasts can read with
profit and enjoyment.
*The Polar Times*
This book makes clear that we pick the heroes that fit our times...
On encountering this book there will inevitably be those who say
"Oh no, not another book about Scott and Shackleton!" And I agree
that we need no further tales of derring-do on the ice to burde4n
our bookshelves. What we do need is what this book
provides--examination of the cultural currents upon which explorers
are borne and that ultimately determine what it all means.
*Terra Incognitae, The Journal for the History of Discoveries*
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