Ebook: The last Viking: the life of Roald Amundsen

Looks at the life of the Norwegian polar explorer, describing Amundsen's approach to expeditions and his flair for self-promotion and publicity.;The life of Roald Amundsen, the greatest of all polar explorers, has never before been told in its full brilliance, heartbreak, and glory. As the 20th century began, the four great geographical mysteries -- the Northwest Passage, the Northeast Passage, the South Pole, and the North Pole -- remained blank spots on the globe. Within 20 years Amundsen would claim all four prizes. Renowned for his determination and technical skills, both feared and beloved by his men, unfairly vilified for beating Robert Scott in the race to the South Pole, Amundsen towers over the end of the heroic age of exploration, which soon after would be tamed by technology, commerce, and publicity. Feted in his lifetime as an international celebrity, pursued by women and creditors, he died in the Arctic on a rescue mission for a rival explorer. Stephen R. Bown has unearthed archival material to write a fast-paced tale with the grim immediacy of Apsley Cherry-Garrard, the inspiring detail of The Endurance, and the suspense of Jon Karkauer. The Last Viking is both a masterly biography and a cracking good story. - Jacket flap.;1. West -- The boy from the Mountain Kingdom -- Polar apprentice -- An extraordinary plan -- Where Franklin died -- An education at Gjøahavn -- 2. South -- "I resolved upon a coup" -- The Napoleon of the Poles -- Dogs and skis -- A featureless expanse of snow -- 3. East -- A hero returns -- A new battlefield -- The frozen reaches of Tartary -- 4. North -- Grounded dreams -- The Arctic Phoenix -- The dirigible and the fascist -- A massed attack on the polar regions -- 5. Lost -- No more Poles to conquer -- Epilogue: the end of the Heroic Age.