Mawson's Will recounts the harrowing Antarctic expedition of Douglas Mawson, whose team faced deadly conditions in 1912. After a tragic turn of events, Mawson finds himself alone and fighting for survival in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth. With dwindling supplies and the relentless cold bearing down, he must summon every ounce of strength and cunning to make it back to safety. This gripping tale of resilience and human spirit unveils the stark beauty and terrifying challenges of the Antarctic wilderness. Will Mawson conquer the frozen expanse, or will it claim him as its next victim?
By Lennard Bickel
Published: 2000
"In the face of the unforgiving wilderness, determination becomes both a challenge and a companion, guiding the lost through the darkest of nights."
The dramatic story of explorer Douglas Mawson and "the most outstanding solo journey ever recorded in Antarctic history" (Sir Edmund Hillary, mountaineer and explorer) For weeks in Antarctica, Douglas Mawson faced some of the most daunting conditions ever known to man: blistering wind, snow, and cold; the loss of his companion, dogs, supplies, and even the skin on his hands and feet. But despite constant thirst, starvation, disease, and snow blindness—he survived. Sir Douglas Mawson is remembered as the young Australian who would not go to the South Pole with Robert Scott in 1911. Instead, he chose to lead his own expedition on the less glamorous mission of charting nearly 1,500 miles of Antarctic coastline and claiming its resources for the British Crown. His party of three set out through the mountains across glaciers in 60-mile-per-hour winds. Six weeks and 320 miles out, one man fell into a crevasse—along with the tent, most of the equipment, the dogs' food, and all except a week's supply of the men's provisions. Mawson's Will is the unforgettable story of one man's ingenious practicality, unbreakable spirit, and how he continued his meticulous scientific observations even in the face of death. When the expedition was over, Mawson had added more territory to the Antarctic map than anyone else of his time. Thanks to Bickel's moving account, Mawson can be remembered for the vision and dedication that make him one of the world's great explorers.
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“In the face of the unforgiving wilderness, determination becomes both a challenge and a companion, guiding the lost through the darkest of nights.”
Mawson's Will
By Lennard Bickel
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Lennard Bickel was a renowned author and biographer known for his meticulous research and engaging narrative style. His notable works include biographies of influential figures such as Sir Ernest Shackleton, and he has written extensively on exploration and adventure. Bickel's writing often combines vivid storytelling with a deep understanding of historical context, making complex subjects accessible and compelling to a broad audience.
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