Scott and Amundsen

Their Race to the South Pole

By: Roland Huntford

Narrated by: Tim Piggott-Smith

Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's Summary

This is a brilliant dual biography charting British Robert Scott's and Norwegian Roald Amundsen's race to the South Pole during 1911-12. Huntuford's is the accepted, definitive account of the race and a reassessment of the two men. Thoroughly researched, revealing the adventures and misfortunes that befell them both, he describes the driving ambitions of the era, and the complex, often deeply flawed individuals who were charged with carrying them out.

©2006 CSA Telltapes Ltd. (P)2006 CSA Telltapes Ltd.

Critic Reviews

"Fascinating, and a well-chosen narrator." ( The Oldie)

Good but could have been great

Not necessarily easy to listen to.
Excellent description of Amundsen's methodic work and Scott's poor preparation.
I would have liked more details on the toughness of this expedition that made it so great.

A Compelling Read (or Listen)

Very excellent. Huntford's done an excellent job here of comparing Scott's and Amundsen's expeditions to the South Pole, alternating back and forth between the two parties, beginning with their backgrounds. It's easy to see who's the villain in Huntford's view; Scott comes across here as nothing more than a stubborn, arrogant, unintelligent bumbler. I'm thinking this is not the most balanced of accounts, but it's certainly well-told! Sometimes it feels a little too generalized or surfacy, but this is an abridged version of Huntford's book, so I imagine there are quite a few details that got left out for time's sake. In any case, I highly recommended it.

Seriously Abridged

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If they were looking for a good "starter story" about Antarctica.....Anyone who has read either "Scot and Amundsen; a Dual Biography" or the somewhat shorter "The Last Place on Earth" will find a lot of the detail missing from this version.

An excellent tale of the race to the South Pole

What did you love best about Scott and Amundsen?

The pacing of the story

Who was your favorite character and why?

I have always admired Amundsen for his accomplishments. Learning how diligently he prepared and approached each goal sheds light on why this admiration is well-deserved.

What about Tim Piggott-Smith’s performance did you like?

Very well done. The book did not contain a large variety of character voicing however the performer kept it very interesting throughout.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

RF Scott should have stayed home and read Amundsen's diaries.

Any additional comments?

Great story, great history!

Excellent account of amazing story

Not having read the story when I was 12, I found it completely engrossing now. I'll have to read another account as well, just to make sure that Huntford is not unduly harsh on Scott. But if his account is even remotely true, then he - umm, spoiler alert - was a selfish, self-indulgent s.o.b. with half a brain, who pretty much effed up a serious expedition killed his companions through his moronic inability to prepare, learn his lessons, take advice and generally display intelligence at every stage of the journey. By contrast, Amundsen was careful, alert, a great planner etc etc. It might be just that the story is told in contrasting scenes and that Huntford was biased, but whatever the case, I found it a fascinating read.

Excellent

Incredible well told amazing story about strong minded human who achieved success with discovery the land so hard

RIVETING ACCOUNT OF POLAR EXPLORATION

Well narrated, packed with previously unknown details, wait until you find out how Amundsen's team dealt with there waste while wintering in the Antarctic . The competent against the incompetent.

Very good read.

5 stars I reserve for the best of the best. this was a good historical read

Fantastic Story!

Loved the book. Just the right length and detail to capture your interest. I really liked the comparison and contrast between Amundsen and Scott. I also appreciated that the drama of the death of Scott and his compatriots was not played out and not dragged on. Amundsen is rightly enshrined as the model explorer to which future generations should emulate.

Incredible story

After 1912 Scott was presented as the perfect hero with many facts hidden. 50 years later the truth about his weakeness and management style were finally presented with the historical facts. This books is from that period. This said the book is excellent.

Debunking a myth

An excellent book that corrects the myth that Scott was an unlucky hero but rather an arrogant, hierarchical, incompetent poor leader who failed to learn any lessons that led to his teams death.

Super Story

Excellent story. Narrator was very enjoyable to listen to. I was sorry when it ended.

Essential but very annoying read.

Having read other books of Scott’s expedition, I’d figured for myself he wasn’t a particularly gifted leader or good at planning. However the way Amundsen is idolised and Scott unfailingly criticised over what felt like everything was very annoying. Too many vailed opinions amongst the facts. Structured or narrated in a way that makes it come across as very biased, not sure which. Will probably avoid the author’s other books because of it.

Truth.

A most enjoyable book and the real story for the race to the South Pole but very tragic for Scott's team.