Icy Wastes, Peril at Sea and Gold at Rainbow's End

The Worst Journey in the World was one of my father's favourite books. It is an epic account of a polar adventure.

Cherry-Garrard’s memoir of a miserable Antarctic expedition, The Worst Journey in the World, was ranked number one on National Geographic’s list of the 100 greatest adventure books of all time. “As War and Peace is to novels, so is The Worst Journey in the World to the literature of polar travel: the one to beat,” wrote the magazine.

This Catastrophic Polar Journey Resulted in One of the Best Adventure Books Ever Written

While you can dip into the book using the cover picture above, you can also listen to the book here.

And, if you're in the mood for more, here is a drama documentary based on the book.

This is a book that is worth adding to your bookshelf, even one that is virtual.

While you build up the courage to face that longer read, try a short story about a kayaker’s peril at sea:

The Edge of the Shoal by Cynan Jones

He swings the fish from the water, a wild stripe flicking and flashing into the boat, and grabs the line, twisting the hook out, holding the fish down in the footrests. It gasps, thrashes. Drums. Something rapid and primal, ceremonial, in the shallow of the open boat.

Fact and fiction aside, poetry has always celebrated adventure and has even created fantasy worlds that draw the imagination on and colour drab reality with magic hues:

Listen to Poe's El Dorado, composed to music: 

From reviewing books I return to a strategy I've adopted earlier: showcasing readings under various themes - I'd appreciate your feedback, dear reader. Does this kind of enterprise please you?

Visit next week for a look at some writings that were considered for banning.