Karen H. reviewed Cherry : A Life of Apsley Cherry-Garrard (Modern Library Paperbacks) on + 35 more book reviews
A very thorough biography of a young man who by talent and happenstance became an important member of Scott's final Antarctic expedition. I rated it 4 not because of the writing, which was dry but passable and well researched, but because of the overall impression this book left with me. Cherry-Garrard's failure to rescue Scott's doomed party returning from the South Pole was discussed in detail and, frankly, left a sad, ironic taint on this man's fortunate-but-unfortunate life. This book drives home the reality of polar exploration as none other I have read thus far.