Tom Crean, great Irish hero of Antarctic exploration in an age of epics of endurance and survival against the odds, had almost been written out of history until the publication of An Unsung Hero in 2000. The book became a publishing sensation, selling vastly more copies than expected. Since then the name, the extraordinary heroism and spirit, the handsome, craggy face of Tom Crean have all become familiar to general readers, schoolchildren and contemporary adventurers alike. So much so that Crean has even featured as the inspiration for a character in a recent television ad for Guinness. Tom Crean ran away from his family s Kerry farm at age 15 and went on to play an outstanding role in three expeditions with the legendary Shackleton and Captain Scott. The extraordinary highlights of his adventures in the ice were captured in some exceptional photographs taken under the most difficult conditions. It is perhaps true to say that the next unsung heroes to be brought out into the light will be the photographers who accompanied some of these epic journeys, such as Frank Hurley and Herbert Ponting. Many of the images in the book are theirs, including Hurley s haunting picture of the Endurance listing at an impossible angle, imprisoned in the ice, taken in 1915. These extraordinary photographs, many never before published, have now been assembled for the first time to present a photographic record of a truly astonishing man, together with other rare and previously unseen pictures. The range of photographs illustrates Crean s early life, his legendary feats of survival and exploration in the Antarctic, and his peaceful retirement in Kerry. There are the familiar and characteristic poses of Crean with pipe and dogs, and iconic images of icy wastes. Supported by complementary text, diary extracts and maps, plus new information on Tom Crean s life, this is a lasting celebration of a true hero.
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Review
A remarkable book about a remarkable man. --Sunday Tribune
Epic struggles, heroics and unbelievable hardships are wonderfully told. --The Irish Times
Wonderful Kiplingesque yarn about a great Irishman who didn t have to die to become a hero. --Irish Independent
Epic struggles, heroics and unbelievable hardships are wonderfully told. --The Irish Times
Wonderful Kiplingesque yarn about a great Irishman who didn t have to die to become a hero. --Irish Independent
About the Author
Michael Smith wrote the best-selling biography of Tom Crean, An Unsung Hero. His other books include I Am Just Going Outside, a biography of Captain Oates (2002) and Polar Crusader about Sir James Wordie (2004). He has also written for children, Tom Crean The Iceman and Shackleton - The Boss. A contributor to TV and radio, he lectures frequently on Polar history. His most recent book, Captain Crozier: Last Man Standing, is the first definitive biography of Captain Francis Crozier from Co Down: another giant of polar exploration and another unsung hero.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
By freddie
Format:Paperback
Bought this for my husband who couldn't put the book down! amazing what the human body can endure,but sad that ignorance was their undoing.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.5 out of 5 stars
2 reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Irish hero of Antarctic exploration
14 April 2007
By Midwest Book Review
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
Tom Crean was an Irish hero of Antarctic exploration: one of only three men who returned alive from Scott's trek to the South Pole, and who saved one of his fellow survivors. A few years later he made another rescue attempt when with Ernest Shackleton. His adventures are captured in a visual biography that includes many photos from his expeditions and early life, making this a fine recommendation for general-interest libraries specializing in Irish biography as well as true-life stories of exploration and adventure.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good follow on to the original
25 Aug 2011
By Dale
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
We stayed in the town of Anascaul a few years ago and enjoyed a pint or two at the South Pole Inn. Got Michael Smith's original book and enjoyed it very much. Straightforward, and informative writing.
Based on 10 additional years of opportunity to learn more - particularly from sources that emerged after publishing the first book - this book provides a physically shorter, but more comprehensive narrative. A key term is 'illustrated' as the many photos now included add depth and scope to the story.
If you enjoyed the original, this will also be satisfying. If you are unfamiliar, this book is a great starting point (and you may well learn more than you ever thought asking about).
Based on 10 additional years of opportunity to learn more - particularly from sources that emerged after publishing the first book - this book provides a physically shorter, but more comprehensive narrative. A key term is 'illustrated' as the many photos now included add depth and scope to the story.
If you enjoyed the original, this will also be satisfying. If you are unfamiliar, this book is a great starting point (and you may well learn more than you ever thought asking about).
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4.5 out of 5 stars
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