The Worst Journey in the World

By: Apsley Cherry-Garrard

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 20 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

This gripping story of courage and achievement is the account of Robert Falcon Scott's last fateful expedition to the Antarctic, as told by surviving expedition member Apsley Cherry-Garrard. Cherry-Garrard, whom Scott lauded as a tough, efficient member of the team, tells of the journey from England to South Africa and southward to the ice floes. From there began the unforgettable polar journey across a forbidding and inhospitable region. On November 12, 1912, in arctic temperatures, the author, in a search party, found the bodies of Scott and his companions along with poignant last notebook entries, some of them recorded in this work.

Among Apsley Cherry-Garrard's friends and admirers were John Galsworthy, H. G. Wells, Arnold Bennett, and Bernard Shaw. His background in the arts and humanities makes The Worst Journey in the World stand out as a literary accomplishment as well as a classic in the annals of exploration.

Public Domain (P)2003 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Robert Whitfield picks up on Cherry-Garrard's dry sense of humor, stiff-upper-lip approach to adversity, and appreciation for nature, the dogs and ponies on whom the expedition depended, and the polar landscape." ( AudioFile)

Simply marvelous!

Great narrator, riveting story. Unforgettable facts detailed by a polar giant, Apsley Cherry-Garrard. Loved it.

You might think you have no interest but then...

Incredible story of truly incredible courage, generosity and valor. Yes it all happened long ago but there are lessons here still. And I would listen to Simon Vance read the back of a cereal box, he is that good

Loved this

What did you love best about The Worst Journey in the World?

It's a true story written by one of the people who was actually there and based on journals kept by a few different people, so it gives a few different perspectives of the events.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It did get pretty emotional at some points, especially the journal entries by Scott's team when they realized they were going to die and were debating if they should keep going or kill themselves.

There was also some light hearted content, particularly about the habits of the Adélie penguins. It was a nice balance between heavy and light material.

Incredible story and powerfully told.

Very long audiobook, but it was worth finishing, the last couple chapters truly set this story in its proper place in history.

Captivating!

The narrator is fantastic. I was interested the entire time. If you enjoy true adventure this is a fantastic pick. At first I was worried it was too long but it flew by! A story that will really stay with you!

Riveting 20 hours

One of the best polar books. Riveting and I learned so much. It wasn’t just about the story of the expedition, it was the theses and findings from the expedition. The incredible positive attitude and matter of fact-ness. Must read/listen

Excellent book

This audiobook is very good in my opinion. It´s about an adventure, a real one, which starts from very rutine task and a great objective, to finish in drama and heroism.
The previous reviewers´critics can only be understood because probably some of the reviwers didn't finish the audiobook at all. Nevertheless, It's true that in the beginning it is a bit slow. But be patient, you'll be rewarded. Beside, this is a direct account of one of the members of the scott party.
Finally the reader has excellent voice and pace.

Chronicle of cold, cold death

The author was a sidekick in Scott's expedition and the worst journey in the world is not the one that results in Scott's frozen body, but is a "field trip" to steal penguin eggs. Nonetheless an interesting book. I like primary sources and this certainly is one. He writes interestingly and even though the scenery is always the cold, chilling antarctic I never got bored. Recommended for all those interested in arctic travel.

Good but Scientific Detail TMI

The author is one of the lucky survivors. It's clear from his descriptions, and the journals of the others, what a difficult time they had. Nevertheless they continued . . . the "why" of "why didn't they turn back?" is the main part of this book - it's collecting and collating scientific observations. The descriptions of penguins are the best. The author describes how penguins crowd around an ice hole, ready to swim, but then wait for one to foolishly jump in first, in case there is a sea lion below. Scott's expedition? They were the ones that jumped in first.

Brilliant and inspirational

I will be completely honest here. I'm pretty young and have ADHD, however this book and the narration, were absolutely delightful to listen to. I'll admit that it can be a bit tedious and/or boring, but Cherry-Garrard's accounts of these expeditions are authentic. He does go on a few rants and the story may drag on, but realize that he was one of the first human being to step foot on a new continent, let alone 2-3 generations ago. This is a fascinating snapshot of the how exploration took place in the early 20th century and how civilized folks navigated through treacherous lands. It is filled with captivating accounts from those whom participated on these British expeditions. I assume and/or hope that the journals of those included are in some museum, but the dedication to science is purely inspirational. The narrator does a lovely job of depicting different voices from the journals of the deceased and does a spectacular job of narrating the accounts of Cherry-Garrard.

Absolutely Captivating, but not for those easily bored (coming from someone with ADHD). This is a real account of early Antarctic exploration. No theatrics or drama. Just the cold, hard testimonials of those whom embarked on these expeditions. If you find yourself in mind of exploration, this book is nothing short of inspirational.