Terra Nova: Ambition, jealousy and simmering rivalry in the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration

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Harrison Christian

Terra Nova

Ambition, jealousy and simmering rivalry in the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration

Harrison Christian

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Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Ultimo Press
03 June 2025

History: specific events & topics; Geographical discovery & exploration

‘A riveting account about Scott of Antarctica and the machinations of his demise. Of the food depots that were diminished and the rescue that never came.’ – Peter Hillary, mountaineer and explorer

For a long time it seemed Antarctica would remain the sole hold out in a nearly fully explored world. The approaches were too difficult and dangerous, and the material benefits to the exploring nations were too few … Far from being a land of plenty, the Antarctic continent – if it was that – was no place for human beings.

Robert Falcon Scott’s 1910 attempt to reach the South Pole is placed in jeopardy when Edward Evans joins as his second-in-command. A clash of personalities between the two men almost prevents the Terra Nova from sailing, but they forge ahead, conscious of competing expeditions racing to the pole.

On the treacherous journey across the Antarctic ice, the differences between the scientific-minded Scott and the ambitious Evans become insurmountable. Scott sends Evans back early, making the final push without him, only to find they have been beaten by the Norwegians.

When Scott and his remaining men make their desperate return to base, they’re met with an inexplicable shortage of supplies, leading to the tragic deaths of the entire party.

Harrison Christian draws on fresh documents to examine the circumstances of Scott’s death, throwing suspicion on Edward Evans and other officers. Terra Nova delves into the lives of these remarkable men, revealing a story of betrayal that was left out of the official narrative.

PRAISE FOR TERRA NOVA

‘Harrison Christian has added another chapter to the most celebrated Antarctic story – one that compellingly hints at treachery amidst honour, and self-interest amidst sacrifice.’ – Sunday Star Times

‘Christian has the good non-fiction storyteller’s gift of ensuring the tale ticks along, avoiding unnecessary detail and narrative diversions. He is strong on the disagreements, resentments and divisions that existed among the 33 expedition members, who are too often portrayed as noble angels.’ – Sydney Morning Herald

‘Even though you know how it’s going to end, it’s a page-turner as Christian uses letters and diaries to recount how the 1910 expedition progressed, the characters who made it and how they coped with the brutal conditions ... a deeply affecting tale.’ – The Daily Telegraph

‘carefully drawn, eminently readable’ – NZ Listener

By: Harrison Christian
Imprint: Ultimo Press
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 129mm,
Weight: 226g
ISBN: 9781761154058
ISBN 10: 1761154052
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 03 June 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Harrison Christian is a writer from Auckland, New Zealand. He is the author of several acclaimed non-fiction books, including Men Without Country, Should We Fall to Ruin and Terra Nova. Darwin on the Beagle is his fourth book.

Reviews for Terra Nova: Ambition, jealousy and simmering rivalry in the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration

‘There are shelves bulging with books about Scott’s South Pole journey but there’s always room for more – especially when they are as good as this one.’ * Otago Daily Times *