Emperors of the Ice: A True Story of Disaster and Survival in the Antarctic, 1910-13
Grade 7–10—A recounting of the fatal Antarctic exploration led by Englishman Robert Falcon Scott. The story is told from the point of view of journeyman Apsley Cherry-Garrard and is based on his experiences as recorded inThe Worst Journey in the World. The author incorporates numerous primary sources, including diaries, letters, and black-and-white reproductions and archival photographs that aid in capturing Garrard's mindset and that of the other members of the expedition. The goal of the trip was to find the South Pole, with an offshoot expedition to collect samples of the fabled Emperor penguin's eggs. Though dialogue was obviously re-created, and some assumptions are made regarding the thoughts and feelings of crew members, Farr's writing is engrossing and his accounts of the hardships and near-death experiences the explorers faced are harrowing. The accompanying maps, photographs, and drawings complement the text, though some of them break it up at odd intervals. This title will appeal to readers looking for an adventure story and to history buffs.—Kelly McGorray, Glenbard South High School Library, Glen Ellyn, ILCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.This review refers to the Hardcover edition