- Hardcover: 496 pages
- Publisher: HarperPress; First Edition edition (28 May 2009)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0007254059
- ISBN-13: 978-0007254057
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 16 x 4.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 505,959 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Review
Praise for ‘Scott of the Antarctic’
‘Moving … a balanced and gripping account … David Crane has written a fine biography of Scott, the flawed but timeless hero, and I read it all with pleasure.’ Guardian
‘He [Crane] has freed himself from the tyranny of the card index to let Scott live again as a man.’ Daily Telegraph
‘Compelling … impressive … moving’. Sunday Telegraph
‘Crane’s exhilarating biography avoids the excesses of either approach, humanising the man without diminishing his epic endeavour. As the end nears, Crane turns to the men’s dignified accounts of their ordeal. It is as Scott prophesied: no heart could remain unstirred.’ Observer
‘The most balanced biography yet. Like Scott’s own writings, Crane’s stylish prose is a sheer pleasure.’ New York Times
Review
Praise for 'Scott of the Antarctic' 'Moving ! a balanced and gripping account ! David Crane has written a fine biography of Scott, the flawed but timeless hero, and I read it all with pleasure.' Guardian 'He [Crane] has freed himself from the tyranny of the card index to let Scott live again as a man.' Daily Telegraph 'Compelling ! impressive ! moving'. Sunday Telegraph 'Crane's exhilarating biography avoids the excesses of either approach, humanising the man without diminishing his epic endeavour. As the end nears, Crane turns to the men's dignified accounts of their ordeal. It is as Scott prophesied: no heart could remain unstirred.' Observer 'The most balanced biography yet. Like Scott's own writings, Crane's stylish prose is a sheer pleasure.' New York Times
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Well written account of the extraordinary lives of 3 naval officers through the 19th century. Very readable and informative about 3 impressive careers.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Three fascinating biographies of young naval officers in the nineteenth century - Hastings, a "Cochrane" who, after a chequered start to his career, became a key figure in the Greek war of independence: Peel, third son of Sir Robert, showed amazing courage in the Crimea and during the Indian Mutiny: and Goodenough in China and then the Pacific. All filled with letters and anecdote which bring to life the attitudes of their time. My Christmas present to anyone who wants to know more about real-life Hornblowers orAubreys.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The original title for this book would have perhaps been more apt. Rather than `courage under fire' it was the `changing face of heroism' in the 19th century Navy. (which amazon still lists it as)
A superbly researched work, this utilises contemporary accounts, private letters and official navy to look at the careers of three officers.
The first, Frank Abney Hastings, is perhaps the most interesting, for, in the search for glory, action and battle after being sacked in disgrace over a row with superiors, he ended up commanding a steam ship in the defence of Greece - a strange end for a Royal Navy officer.
The author builds a powerful case that Hastings transformed sea warfare in the age - his success in the hitherto untested steam boat, using the latest in firepower made the world sit up and take note.
Prime Minister Robert Peel's son William and his glittering career had its defining moments on land, although he was a naval man, taking part in the horror of the Crimean war and tackling the Indian mutiny.
In a book, ostensibly purely concerned with courage, James Goodenough is the joker in the pack, but knowing the original title makes his inclusion more logical.
It was Goodenough who really tried to put into effect an `Empire with a conscience' policy, battling with authority for what he perceived as indigenous peoples' rights, only to die at the height of his powers, ironically from a native's poisoned arrow.
All three represent the navy at its best - independence of thought, a strong sense of duty and incredible bravery under fire.
The navy, of course represented Britain around the world, and by the time of Goodenough, the author shows it was beginning to recognise its moral as well as military roles.
A cracking read about a fascinating time in history.
A superbly researched work, this utilises contemporary accounts, private letters and official navy to look at the careers of three officers.
The first, Frank Abney Hastings, is perhaps the most interesting, for, in the search for glory, action and battle after being sacked in disgrace over a row with superiors, he ended up commanding a steam ship in the defence of Greece - a strange end for a Royal Navy officer.
The author builds a powerful case that Hastings transformed sea warfare in the age - his success in the hitherto untested steam boat, using the latest in firepower made the world sit up and take note.
Prime Minister Robert Peel's son William and his glittering career had its defining moments on land, although he was a naval man, taking part in the horror of the Crimean war and tackling the Indian mutiny.
In a book, ostensibly purely concerned with courage, James Goodenough is the joker in the pack, but knowing the original title makes his inclusion more logical.
It was Goodenough who really tried to put into effect an `Empire with a conscience' policy, battling with authority for what he perceived as indigenous peoples' rights, only to die at the height of his powers, ironically from a native's poisoned arrow.
All three represent the navy at its best - independence of thought, a strong sense of duty and incredible bravery under fire.
The navy, of course represented Britain around the world, and by the time of Goodenough, the author shows it was beginning to recognise its moral as well as military roles.
A cracking read about a fascinating time in history.
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