Alone

by Richard Byrd
List(s):"Extreme Classics"
Category: "Travel"
Pages:296
Year of Publication:1938
Date Added:01/29/2010
Date Read:11/11/2014
Notes:In 1934, Byrd manned a meteorological station in Antarctica at 80 degrees south, more than 100 miles from the base at Little America — alone. Five months in total isolation (except for brief, twice-weekly radio conversations), complete darkness and extreme cold (as low as -85). Two months in, his stove clogged and he was poisoned from the fumes. For three months, he was weak, in pain and unable to keep food down. He had to use the stove a little while every day to keep from freezing, but too long and he knew he wouldn't wake up. His men at Little America figured out he was sick and came to get him two months earlier than they had planned. Even after their arrival, it was still two more months before he could return to base.
My Rating: 7

Reviews for Alone

Review - Alone

I started out not liking Byrd because I thought he was arrogant, and I didn't care about his story. But he did a good job of painting a picture of what it was like to be sick, alone and in the cold and dark. I can't say I enjoyed it, but I did find it fascinating.

Reviewed by Roger on 2014-11-12 04:43:12

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