Slicing the Silence

by Griffiths, Tom

• ISBN13: 9780674034709
• ISBN10: 0674034708
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-11-30
• Publisher: Harvard Univ Pr

Summary

Listen to a short interview with Tom Griffiths Host: Chris Gondek Producer: Heron & CraneFrom 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.

Author Biography

Tom Griffiths teaches history and the environment at the Australian National University in Canberra and is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities.

Table of Contents

Prologue	p. 2
18 December The Fire on the Snow: Legends of the heroic era	p. 5
19 December The Breath of Antarctica: The brave west winds	p. 31
21 December The Unisersity of the Southern Ocean: Life at sea	p. 51
23 December Great South Lands: Reading the rocks	p. 67
24 December Heavenly Bodies: Space weather	p. 83
25 December Planting Flags: Claiming the ice	p. 107
26 December Cold Peace: Reds down under	p. 133
27 December Wintering: Surviving the polar night	p. 157
28 December Solitude: An experiment in loneliness	p. 187
29 December Honeymoon on ICE: Love in a cold climate	p. 197
30 December Of Huddles and Pebbles: Life among the penguins	p. 219
31 December The Changeover: Time, history and generations	p. 243
1 January Green Crusaders: Greenpeace and greenhouse	p. 273
3 January Feeding Body and Soul: Hunger and wonder	p. 295
6 January Captain Scott's Biscuit: The archaeology of return	p. 327
7 and 8 January	p. 351
Acknowledgments	p. 353
Notes	p. 356
Index	p. 386
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