Though books can't replace the experience of visiting the polar regions, they make excellent companions for your journey. We reached out to our social media followers, many of whom are past or future travelers, to gather their recommendations for polar-related books. The results were impressive, and we've compiled them below in no particular order.
Whether fiction or non-fiction, these books share a common theme: the captivating polar or subpolar world. Whether you're seeking a read for before, during, or after your Arctic or Antarctic cruise, you'll find something here to pique your interest.
Arctic Dreams (Barry Lopez, 1986)
We begin with a standout. Lopez’s poignant and informative narrative of his five years as a biologist in the Canadian Arctic is exceptional. It has received widespread acclaim, winning the National Book Award for Nonfiction, the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award, and the Oregon Book Award, among other honors.
Lean Fall Stand (Jon McGregor, 2021)
After an Antarctic surveyor endures a tragic accident in the field, he must navigate the aftermath while dealing with debilitating injuries that impair his ability to communicate.
Antarctica: Secrets of the Southern Continent (David McGonigal, 2008)
This comprehensive exploration of Antarctic history, natural science, conservation issues, and more is both reader-friendly and richly illustrated. It was published in celebration of the International Polar Year of 2007-08.
A Woman in the Polar Night (Christiane Ritter, 1938)
A classic in polar literature, this book recounts the author’s year living in a remote Spitsbergen hut with her husband and fellow hunter.
The Journey, Not the Destination (Olly Sanders, 2021)
This book centers on the adventures of a British kayaker and mountaineer, emphasizing the significance of escaping modern life through small-scale expeditions and ascents.
South (Ernest Shackleton, 1919)
In his own words, Shackleton narrates the extraordinary tale of his second Antarctic expedition, the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914 – 1917. Few other works offer such a firsthand account of one of the world’s most miraculous rescue stories.
The Uttermost Part of the Earth (Lucas Bridges, 1948)
This book is included due to its connection with Tierra del Fuego, our Antarctic embarkation area. It details the author’s life among the Yaghan people and his initiation into the Ona tribe.
Endurance (Alfred Lansing, 1959)
Written by a journalist and polar history enthusiast, this book provides an external perspective on the harrowing story of Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. For true polar history scholars, we suggest comparing it to South, mentioned above.
Farthest North (Fridtjof Nansen, 1897)
Another classic first-person account of a renowned polar expedition, this book chronicles Nansen’s 15-month sled journey to the North Pole, which many consider the start of the modern age of exploration.
The Worst Journey in the World (Apsley Cherry-Garrard, 1922)
Cherry-Gerrard, a member of Robert Falcon Scott’s legendary Terra Nova Expedition of 1910 – 1913, provides a highly regarded account of the journey. This tale of perseverance through hardship is a must-read for polar history enthusiasts familiar with more recent critiques of Scott’s decisions during this debated expedition.
La Lune est Blanche (François & Emmanuel Lepage, 2014)
Although there is no English translation yet, French readers will enjoy this story of brothers François and Emmanuel Lepage on a surprise-filled scientific mission to the French Antarctic base, Dumont d’Urville.
North Water (Ian McGuire, 2016)
When a disgraced army surgeon, a scheming captain, and a murderous harpooner share a ship on a whale hunting voyage to northern Baffin Bay, disaster is just the beginning. Don’t forget to check out the acclaimed BBC adaptation of this book as a follow-up.
Scott and Amundsen: Last Place on Earth (Roland Huntford, 1979)
This gripping dual biography of Scott and Roald Amundsen also delves into the nationalistic fervor of the South Pole race. It’s a dense but thrilling read that will captivate both polar newcomers and scholars.
Other polar book and film recommendations
If you’re looking for more suggestions, check out our blog on books and movies related to Antarctica as well as our brief list of books about Antarctic history.
Send us your own suggestions!
No reading list should remain static, so we hope to update this one with more of your recommendations. There’s no better way to ignite your imagination for an upcoming Arctic or Antarctic voyage than a great book set in the polar regions.
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