THE LAST PLACE ON EARTH Scott and Amundsen: Their Race to the South Pole

Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen reached the South Pole first, but British rival Robert Falcon Scott and his ill-fated mission captured the romantic imagination. Tim Pigott-Smith lets a hint of wryness slip through as he contrasts the methodical, democratic Amundsen with the careless, pompous Scott. Pigott-Smith's crisp British accent ably conveys the stiff-upper-lip attitude of Scott but also makes clear the author's admiration for Amundsen. The account plays out as a study of the two men—one who learned from his mistakes and succeeded, and one who stood fast and failed. The exciting drama of the polar race is made even more fascinating by the depiction of human nature and the candid portrait of Scott, long hailed as a hero. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2009]