Sterling Point Books

Admiral Richard Byrd: Alone in the Antarctic

By: Paul Rink

Narrated by: Jay Snyder

Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

Although less well known than his famous flight over the North Pole, Admiral Richard E. Byrd's adventures in Antarctica are just as remarkable. Wide-eyed youngsters will feel the excitement and danger as they learn about the isolated and tight little manned station where Byrd lived, separated from his crew; the temperatures that plunged to 60 degrees below zero; and Byrd's brush with death when a small stove he needed to keep warm - and stay alive - filled the air with carbon monoxide. It's a tale of personal courage and dedication, all set against a backdrop of perhaps the harshest environment on earth.

©2006 Sterling (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Extraordinary feat of endurance

That Byrd even decided to live alone through the Antarctic winter to make meteorological recording is extraordinary. That he survived it was even more extraordinary. But I just couldn't understand why they didn't predict that the fumes from the generator would affect him. And why he didn't attach himself to the building by rope as sailors do when he went outside the shack for a walk or to make his routine weather measurements.

Anyway, that aside, it is a interesting saga -- rich in adventure and also the human qualities of team work, self sacrifice and bravery.
The narrator was committed to sharing the drama of the events being unfolded.

Missed the Main Event

Solid performance, but it hardly even covered the most important thing Admiral Byrd was involved with: Operation Highjump. It is mentioned but little more. The story is interesting but not particularly fascinating.

Alone

Very interesting book about Admiral Bird's epic journey to Antarctica. Frightening tale of the outrageous cold and his finding himself alone in a terrible situation, alone and in a blizzard locked out of his warm and sturdy hut.

amazing explorer and survivalist.

Richard Byrd an amazing survivalist, this is a must read. the polar biome is one of the toughest places to try and survive on the planet. Definitely not for the faint of heart.

astonished that i hadn't heard of him before

incredible story a man's ability to overcome the most trying adversity.
I would have liked to have heard more about the Mental struggles through which Admiral bird would have struggled, however it's clear that Admiral Byrd wanted to maintain a strong exterior image.