Product Description

Now available in a fresh, new format, this is the story of the remarkable Tom Crean who ran away to sea aged fifteen and played a memorable role in Antarctic exploration. He spent more time in the unexplored Antarctic than Scott or Shackleton, and was one of the few to serve and outlive both. Among the last to see Scott alive only 150 miles from the South Pole, Tom was in the search party that found the frozen body. An unforgettable story of triumph over unparalleled hardship and deprivation does justice to this enigmatic figure.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #20685 in Books
• Published on: 2009-02-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 340 pages

Review
A remarkable book about a remarkable man. Sunday Tribune Michael Smith has written a splendid biography. The Nautical Magazine The epic struggles, heroics and the unbelievable hardships of the voyages are wonderfully told. The Irish Times A must for anyone interested in polar exploration. County Examiner Wonderful Kiplingesque yarn about a great Irishman who didn't have to die to become a hero. Irish Independent

About the Author
Michael Smith, a former journalist, is an established authority on Polar exploration. His other books are I Am Just Going Outside, a biography of Captain Oates (2002), Polar Crusader about Sir James Wordie (2004), Tom Crean An Illustrated Life (2006) and Captain Francis Crozier Last Man Standing? (2006). Michael has also written two books for children, Tom Crean Ice Man and Shackleton The Boss. He contributes to TV and radio documentaries and lectures on Polar history.

Customer Reviews

Superb biography of forgotten Antartic hero
The first stiking thing about this book is Frank Hurley's magnificent photograph of Crean on the cover. This picture conveys as toughness and resoluteness that characterized Crean's adventures - if ever a book can be judged by its cover, this is it.

The story of Shackleton's expedition to the Antartic has had a huge revival in that past few years, and Michael Smith is partly responsible for this in my view. From start to finsh, I enjoyed every page of this story which will add another interesting view to students/readers of Antartic explorations. Crean's participation in what must be one of the 20th centuries survival stories is heroic. Smith's book now ensures that Crean is no longer an unsung hero.

Highly recommended!

Introduction to Antarctic Exploration
A wonderful tale, told simply and brilliantly. Crean's story is one of almost unbelievable bravery, dedication and (excuse the pun) endurance. A chance purchase which has made an indelible impression upon me. I now cannot get enough of the Antarctic, its heroes, ghosts and the sheer power of the continent itself. For anyone interested in the human psyche I would recommend this book highly. For anyone interested in Antarctic exploration it is a must.

Excellent Read - Not for the faint hearted
How did they survive? This book is a must for all who love the wild side of exploring and adventure. Not only did Tom Crean go to the antartic once, he went three times and each time was more dangerous and exciting than the previous. Michael Smith recounts the travels of one amazing Irish man who survived three expeditions to the Antartic and who almost single handedly saved the lives of many fellow explorers on more than one occasion. A book impossible to put down once the first page is read and one which will leave an everlasting impression.