At the outset of the twentieth century, Antarctica was scarcely explored or understood. Penetrating the pack ice in the purpose-built Discovery, the British National Antarctic Expedition (1901-4) established a base in McMurdo Sound, enabling scientists and sledging parties to significantly push back the boundaries of the unknown. Published in 1905, this acclaimed two-volume work by the naval officer and expedition leader Robert Falcon Scott (1868-1912) recounts the trials, errors and achievements of an undertaking which laid the foundations for future research and Scott's later journey to the South Pole. The work is greatly enhanced by many photographs as well as illustrations by the doctor, zoologist and artist Edward A. Wilson (1872-1912). Volume 1 traces the expedition's preparatory phases and the voyage from England to Antarctica via New Zealand. Scott discusses the location of winter quarters and the first polar winter. Chapters on sledging conclude the volume.

At the outset of the twentieth century, Antarctica was scarcely explored or understood. Penetrating the pack ice in the purpose-built Discovery, the British National Antarctic Expedition (1901-4) established a base in McMurdo Sound, enabling scientists and sledging parties to significantly push back the boundaries of the unknown. Published in 1905, this acclaimed two-volume work by the naval officer and expedition leader Robert Falcon Scott (1868-1912) recounts the trials, errors and achievements of an undertaking which laid the foundations for future research and Scott's later journey to the South Pole. The work is greatly enhanced by many photographs as well as illustrations by the doctor, zoologist and artist Edward A. Wilson (1872-1912). Volume 2 opens with the sledging journey made by Scott, Wilson and Ernest Shackleton which reached an unprecedented southern latitude. A second polar winter and further sledging exploits are also described. The appendices contain geological and zoological findings.

Captain Robert F. Scott's famed expedition to the South Pole from 1910-1912 propelled him in the international spotlight. Scott quickly ascended the ranks in the Royal Navy, becoming a master. His harrowing journey to Antarctica is presented in these journals with unprecedented realism and lucidity. The toils, the troubles, and the successes are brought to life through Scott's pen. His journals create a vivid narrative of his Terra Nova trek-the scientific findings, the nautical strategy, the social dynamics are all recounted in colorful prose. Though Scott's journey ended in tragedy, the inspiring expedition made him a national hero.