The last Viking - BookWyrm

Hardcover

English language

Published Aug. 25, 2012 by Da Capo Press.

ISBN:: 978-0-306-82067-0

(1 review)

The life of Roald Amundsen, the greatest of all polar explorers, has never before been told in its full brilliance, heartbreak, and glory. As the 20th century began, the four great geographical mysteries -- the Northwest Passage, the Northeast Passage, the South Pole, and the North Pole -- remained blank spots on the globe. Within 20 years Amundsen would claim all four prizes. Renowned for his determination and technical skills, both feared and beloved by his men, unfairly vilified for beating Robert Scott in the race to the South Pole, Amundsen towers over the end of the heroic age of exploration, which soon after would be tamed by technology, commerce, and publicity. Feted in his lifetime as an international celebrity, pursued by women and creditors, he died in the Arctic on a rescue mission for a rival explorer. Stephen R. Bown has unearthed archival material to write a fast-paced tale …

The life of Roald Amundsen, the greatest of all polar explorers, has never before been told in its full brilliance, heartbreak, and glory. As the 20th century began, the four great geographical mysteries -- the Northwest Passage, the Northeast Passage, the South Pole, and the North Pole -- remained blank spots on the globe. Within 20 years Amundsen would claim all four prizes. Renowned for his determination and technical skills, both feared and beloved by his men, unfairly vilified for beating Robert Scott in the race to the South Pole, Amundsen towers over the end of the heroic age of exploration, which soon after would be tamed by technology, commerce, and publicity. Feted in his lifetime as an international celebrity, pursued by women and creditors, he died in the Arctic on a rescue mission for a rival explorer. Stephen R. Bown has unearthed archival material to write a fast-paced tale with the grim immediacy of Apsley Cherry-Garrard, the inspiring detail of The Endurance, and the suspense of Jon Karkauer. The Last Viking is both a masterly biography and a cracking good story. - Jacket flap.

5 editions

Eduardo Santiago reviewed The last Viking by Stephen R. Bown

Review of 'The last Viking' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Spellbinding. Occasionally bordering on hagiographic, but only briefly and even then (IMO) forgivably: some people truly are larger than life. It would be dishonest to pretend otherwise.

Amundsen was a fascinating man, living during the end of one age and the beginning of a new one. Most remarkable not for his strength of character but for his ability to observe and adapt and learn: Arctic survival from the Inuit; the importance of personality in small teams; the unfortunate realities of dealing with media in a shrinking world.

Well written, organized, researched. Gripping: I had a hard time putting it down. Insightful and rewarding. Much, much more than a story about a man: it's a rich look at a different time (and world), when there were still places left unexplored, still Adventures to be had.

Subjects

Discovery and exploration
Norweigian
Biography
Explorers

Places

Antarctica
North Pole
Norway
Northwest Passage
Arctic regions