Slicing the Silence: Voyaging to Antarctica

Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 2007. First American Edition. Hardcover. As New/As New. 8vo 8" - 9" tall. Stated First American Edition, being a superior exemplar thereof, in gift-quality condition, inside and out, no discernible wear, bright and shiny dust jacket, protected. Brand new Book. From the publisher's blurb, "From Scott and Shackleton to sled dogs and penguins, stories of Antarctica seize our imagination. In December 2002, environmental historian Tom Griffiths set sail with the Australian Antarctic Division to deliver the new team of winterers. In this beautifully written book, Griffiths reflects on the history of human experiences in Antarctica, taking the reader on a journey of discovery, exploration, and adventure in an unforgettable land.He weaves together meditations on shipboard life during his three-week voyage with fascinating forays into the history and nature of Antarctica. He brings alive the great age of sail in the initiation of travelers to the great winds of the "roaring forties." No continent is more ruled by wind, and Griffiths explains why Antarctica is a barometer of global climatic health. He charts the race to the South Pole, from its inception as part of the drive to map Earth's magnetism, to the reasons for Robert Scott's tragic death. He also offers vivid descriptions of life in Antarctica, such as the experience of a polar night, the importance of food for morale, and coping with solitude.A charming narrative and an informative history, Slicing the Silence is an intimate portrait of the last true wilderness." Volume contains scholarly apparatus in the form of, e.g., notes, index, and bibliography. Frontis matter, 2-397 pp.Member, I.O.B.A., C.B.A., and adherent to the highest ethical standards. Additional postage may be required for oversize or especially heavy volumes, and for sets.