Terra Incognita

After writing two highly praised travel books, Sara Wheeler was accepted by the American government to be the first foreigner on their National Science Foundation's Antarctic Artists' and Writers Program. She spent seven months on the continent, travelling from the fabled Ross Ice Shelf to the Pole itself, the remoter reaches of the West Antarctic ice sheet, and the balmy Antarctic Peninsula. Terra Incognita is a meditation on the landscape, myths and history of one of the remotest parts of the globe, as well as an encounter with the international temporary residents of the region - living in close confinement despite the surrounding acres of white space - and the mechanics of day-to-day life in extraordinary conditions. Through Sara Wheeler, the Antarctic is revealed, in all its seductive mystery.

A modern classic on exploring and understanding the Antarctic, the most uncharted place on our planet.

Terra Incognita is a meditation on the landscape, myths and history of one of the remotest parts of the globe, as well as an encounter with the international temporary residents of the region - living in close confinement despite the surrounding acres of white space - and the mechanics of day-to-day life in extraordinary conditions. Through Sara Wheeler, the Antarctic is revealed, in all its seductive mystery.

'Antarctica could hope for no better chronicler: spirited, humorous and highly intelligent, she is also a writer of rare talent' Observer

Préface
A modern classic on exploring and understanding the most uncharted place on our planet.

Auteur

Sara Wheeler

Texte du rabat

'Antarctica could hope for no better chronicler: spirited, humorous and highly intelligent, she is also a writer of rare talent' Cressida Connolly, Observer

After writing two highly praised travel books, Sara Wheeler was accepted by the American government to be the first foreigner on their National Science Foundation's Antarctic Artists' and Writers Program. She spent seven months on the continent, travelling from the fabled Ross Ice Shelf to the Pole itself, the remoter reaches of the West Antarctic ice sheet, and the balmy Antarctic Peninsula. Terra Incognita is a meditation on the landscape, myths and history of one of the remotest parts of the globe, as well as an encounter with the international temporary residents of the region - living in close confinement despite the surrounding acres of white space - and the mechanics of day-to-day life in extraordinary conditions. Through Sara Wheeler, the Antarctic is revealed, in all its seductive mystery.

'Every phrase, every observation twitches with life; every colour and shape seems her own...I found myself falling for this writer's strong, incisive wisdom even more than the ice sheet and penguins' Julie Myerson, Mail on Sunday

'Stunning...she never lacks empathy, compassion or generosity... What she has done could not be done better' Richard Eyre, Independent

'Her book has narrative drive, a scholarly grasp of geological and scientific fact and a true passion for the subject...an impressive achievement' Beryl Bainbridge, Literary Review

'I cannot believe that anything better will ever be written about Antarctica' Geoffrey Moorhouse, Daily Telegraph

'Penetrating, vivacious and often amusing, Wheeler's record has a sharp authenticity' The Times

'To be read tucked up in bed with two hot water bottles, the beginnings of a cold, and November beating against the window' Scotland on Sunday