First Rate Tragedy,A

Drawing on new research, the author analyses the reasons why Scott's carefully planned expedition failed while Amundsen's opportunistic dash to the South Pole succeeded. Despite failure, Scott and his men achieved something remarkable. The final trio struggled for 1450 miles in the worst conditions on earth - and had they managed just 350 yards more per day after leaving the pole, they would have reached the supplies that could save them. Diana Preston also explores the personalities behind the story, particularly the elusive character of Scott.