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Rating: 
Summary: Historical perspective on Jim Mastro's book
Review: Antarctic accounts come in a number of different flavors. (Skip the next four paragraphs to cut to the chase).The first variety is the explorer's official account. They were - and are - written to inform the public of the expedition's accomplishments, generally by the expedition's leader and frequently to help pay the inevitable bills that survive the expedition. James Clark Ross' "A Voyage of Discovery and Research, In the Southern and Antarctic Regions, during the years 1839-43", Robert Scott's "The Voyage of the Discovery" and Ernest Shackleton's "The Heart of the Antarctic" are among the classics. There are scientists recounting a particular piece of work (Bill Green's "Water, Ice & Stone") or a career (Charles Swithenbank's "An Alien in Antarctica", "Foothold on Antarctica" and "Forty Years on Ice"), transcribed journals (Edward Wilson's "Diary of the Discovery Expedition to the Antarctic Regions 1901-1904" and Charles Wright's "Silas"), photographers (Ansel Adams' "Antarctica"), historians (among them Ann Savours and T.H. Baughman), and a philosopher (Stephen Pyne's "The Ice"). A major category is that of the instant expert or Antarctic tourist. These are generally writers who have conducted extensive research in preparation for a brief sojourn in Antarctica. The numerous works range from trivial to profound. Jim Henderson's IGY book ("One Foot at the Pole" - he had an artificial limb) is quite droll while Sara Wheeler's recent accounts are excellent. The instant experts provide a snapshot of life on the ice through the eyes of an honored visitor. They are generally sponsored by a National Antarctic Program and have privileges most residents of Antarctica can only imagine, primarily access to the ice edge and its fauna as well as to areas beyond an hour's walk from main bases. The Chase.
An uncommon type of account is a resident's, the first of which was Apsley Cherry-Garrard's "The Worst Journey in the World". Cherry-Garrard was a youthful, pleasant, gentleman of means whose primary recommendations to Scott's last expedition were his engaging personality and substantial financial contribution. He had neither the vested interest in the expedition's success that its leaders felt, nor did he have the detailed scientific duties of its experts. He was instead a generalist and acute observer who, as a resident of the continent, wrote a classic of Antarctic literature that is arguably the best of the lot. There are many contemporary residents of Antarctica. They provide services and are the foundation of the infrastructure that supports the scientists and privileged tourists. Those residents' lives are full, rich and very different from those they support. Some come to the ice for the adventure, some for the community and some for the job. Many are articulate, multiple-season, steady residents whose life includes 6 months on the ice working and 6 months off the ice enjoying the fruits of that labor. Few, however, have published their observations. Jim Mastro was a resident who spent both summer seasons and winters on the ice. He held positions of responsibility without the burden of setting policies or practices needing defense. In short, Jim worked there. He describes what makes the Antarctic community so unique in a book that is a detailed account of a year on the ice. Mastro's book "A Year at the Bottom of the World" is more detailed and far richer than the brief and sunny snapshot generally taken by the tourists. Mastro recalls exploits that are frequently amusing, occasionally dangerous and in some cases the result of not-so-great decisions. His tone is pleasantly understated as he recognizes danger without descending to melodramatic proclamations. The book is visually appealing and illustrated with Mastro's superb photographs. It is historically accurate with sufficient background information to allow a new student of the Antarctic to read it without additional reference material (without becoming another prosaic account of already-told history). One of the primary attractions of this book is that rather than explaining the difficulties of a hugely complex expedition or the rarified atmosphere of high academic accomplishment, Mastro tells of living and working there. It is obvious that he is good at what he does and that he enjoys himself, but he's basically one of the guys. There is some drama but little death-defying adventure; some disappointment but not much tragedy; some accomplishments but no nominations for the Nobel Prize. Mastro is a pretty normal guy in an extraordinary place with concerns and accomplishments that are both imaginable and reachable for the rest of us. Mastro's keen eye, wry turn of phrase and dramatic photographs make this an accurate and engaging account of the Antarctic life. Technology has modified a few details, but the basics of a full year in Antarctica are unaltered since the first winter-over more than a century ago. This book is the best account of contemporary life in Antarctica.
Rating:
Summary: Historical perspective on Jim Mastro's book
Review: Antarctic accounts come in a number of different flavors. (Skip the next four paragraphs to cut to the chase). The first variety is the explorer's official account. They were - and are - written to inform the public of the expedition's accomplishments, generally by the expedition's leader and frequently to help pay the inevitable bills that survive the expedition. James Clark Ross' "A Voyage of Discovery and Research, In the Southern and Antarctic Regions, during the years 1839-43", Robert Scott's "The Voyage of the Discovery" and Ernest Shackleton's "The Heart of the Antarctic" are among the classics. There are scientists recounting a particular piece of work (Bill Green's "Water, Ice & Stone") or a career (Charles Swithenbank's "An Alien in Antarctica", "Foothold on Antarctica" and "Forty Years on Ice"), transcribed journals (Edward Wilson's "Diary of the Discovery Expedition to the Antarctic Regions 1901-1904" and Charles Wright's "Silas"), photographers (Ansel Adams' "Antarctica"), historians (among them Ann Savours and T.H. Baughman), and a philosopher (Stephen Pyne's "The Ice"). A major category is that of the instant expert or Antarctic tourist. These are generally writers who have conducted extensive research in preparation for a brief sojourn in Antarctica. The numerous works range from trivial to profound. Jim Henderson's IGY book ("One Foot at the Pole" - he had an artificial limb) is quite droll while Sara Wheeler's recent accounts are excellent. The instant experts provide a snapshot of life on the ice through the eyes of an honored visitor. They are generally sponsored by a National Antarctic Program and have privileges most residents of Antarctica can only imagine, primarily access to the ice edge and its fauna as well as to areas beyond an hour's walk from main bases. The Chase.
An uncommon type of account is a resident's, the first of which was Apsley Cherry-Garrard's "The Worst Journey in the World". Cherry-Garrard was a youthful, pleasant, gentleman of means whose primary recommendations to Scott's last expedition were his engaging personality and substantial financial contribution. He had neither the vested interest in the expedition's success that its leaders felt, nor did he have the detailed scientific duties of its experts. He was instead a generalist and acute observer who, as a resident of the continent, wrote a classic of Antarctic literature that is arguably the best of the lot. There are many contemporary residents of Antarctica. They provide services and are the foundation of the infrastructure that supports the scientists and privileged tourists. Those residents' lives are full, rich and very different from those they support. Some come to the ice for the adventure, some for the community and some for the job. Many are articulate, multiple-season, steady residents whose life includes 6 months on the ice working and 6 months off the ice enjoying the fruits of that labor. Few, however, have published their observations. Jim Mastro was a resident who spent both summer seasons and winters on the ice. He held positions of responsibility without the burden of setting policies or practices needing defense. In short, Jim worked there. He describes what makes the Antarctic community so unique in a book that is a detailed account of a year on the ice. Mastro's book "A Year at the Bottom of the World" is more detailed and far richer than the brief and sunny snapshot generally taken by the tourists. Mastro recalls exploits that are frequently amusing, occasionally dangerous and in some cases the result of not-so-great decisions. His tone is pleasantly understated as he recognizes danger without descending to melodramatic proclamations. The book is visually appealing and illustrated with Mastro's superb photographs. It is historically accurate with sufficient background information to allow a new student of the Antarctic to read it without additional reference material (without becoming another prosaic account of already-told history). One of the primary attractions of this book is that rather than explaining the difficulties of a hugely complex expedition or the rarified atmosphere of high academic accomplishment, Mastro tells of living and working there. It is obvious that he is good at what he does and that he enjoys himself, but he's basically one of the guys. There is some drama but little death-defying adventure; some disappointment but not much tragedy; some accomplishments but no nominations for the Nobel Prize. Mastro is a pretty normal guy in an extraordinary place with concerns and accomplishments that are both imaginable and reachable for the rest of us. Mastro's keen eye, wry turn of phrase and dramatic photographs make this an accurate and engaging account of the Antarctic life. Technology has modified a few details, but the basics of a full year in Antarctica are unaltered since the first winter-over more than a century ago. This book is the best account of contemporary life in Antarctica.
Rating: 
Summary: Better than expected
Review: I expected a tome from someone who worked in Antarctica, heavy on the narrative, light on coffee-table book quality photographs. I was pleasantly surprised to find a fine quality book with excellent photographs. Well-written and nicely laid out, this makes a good introduction to modern-day Antarctic history. I've read the account of the doctor who had breast cancer and her rescue "Ice Bound" as well as a scientist's account of working in the Antarctic area, "Crystal Desert". Neither of them were as good as this book. I've travelled to the Antarctic peninsula (as well as the fantastic South Georgia Island, a sub-antarctic island), and it's a wonderfully beautiful place. Some of the photographs capture the southernmost continent's incredible beauty and equally fantastic wildlife. Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Better than expected
Review: I expected a tome from someone who worked in Antarctica, heavy on the narrative, light on coffee-table book quality photographs. I was pleasantly surprised to find a fine quality book with excellent photographs. Well-written and nicely laid out, this makes a good introduction to modern-day Antarctic history. I've read the account of the doctor who had breast cancer and her rescue "Ice Bound" as well as a scientist's account of working in the Antarctic area, "Crystal Desert". Neither of them were as good as this book. I've travelled to the Antarctic peninsula (as well as the fantastic South Georgia Island, a sub-antarctic island), and it's a wonderfully beautiful place. Some of the photographs capture the southernmost continent's incredible beauty and equally fantastic wildlife. Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: The reader is part of the voyage
Review: If you are in the least bit interested in Antarctica, as I have been for about 20 years, READ THIS BOOK. Mastro is a brilliant travel writer whose simple, witty, easily enjoyable style keeps you feeling as though you were there experiencing the whole thing yourself. An amazing narrative insight into several different areas of the frozen continent, in weather conditions beyond belief, as well a trip below the ice on a diving expedition, and a trip to Bird Island on the Antarctic Peninsua. I learned so much form this book! It would be well worth the price even if it were only in text form. The amazing pictures throughout it really add to the sense of what it is really like there.
Rating:
Summary: The reader is part of the voyage
Review: If you are in the least bit interested in Antarctica, as I have been for about 20 years, READ THIS BOOK. Mastro is a brilliant travel writer whose simple, witty, easily enjoyable style keeps you feeling as though you were there experiencing the whole thing yourself. An amazing narrative insight into several different areas of the frozen continent, in weather conditions beyond belief, as well a trip below the ice on a diving expedition, and a trip to Bird Island on the Antarctic Peninsua. I learned so much form this book! It would be well worth the price even if it were only in text form. The amazing pictures throughout it really add to the sense of what it is really like there.
Rating:
Summary: Smart, spectacular view of life in Antarctica
Review: If your goal is to get a sense of what it's like to live and work in Antarctica, then Mastro's book "A Year at the Bottom of the World" is a must. If you just want to look at spectacular pictures of the Antarctic, then Mastro's book is a must. If you want an affordable, top-quality tabletop book, then Mastro's is a must. If you don't want to warp your coffee table top ... well, unlike a typical picture book (which will accomplish said warping), Mastro's is a sensible 10.25 x 11.25-inch, four pound gem. I've been going to the ice since 1984 and have read many other accounts. (I guess that makes me knowledgeable.) Mastro's is by far the best. His photography captures the Antarctic scenery -- above and below the ice -- brilliantly. Stunning, clever, and fascinating are also appropriate descriptors. The text is a first person narrative; I normally find these to be terribly boring. So initially I bought this book for the pictures. (Did I mention that the images are spectacular, brilliant, stunning, clever, and fascinating?) But, as you can imagine, it's hard to avoid glancing at the text, too. As I read more, I gawked at the pictures less. I was genuinely surprised at how much I *enjoyed* reading it! He cleverly builds the narrative, illustrating his growth from a naive Californian geek into ... well, whatever Mastro has transformed into after all these experiences. Some of his stories are thoughtful & somber, some are funny, and all are interesting. Bravo Mastro!
Rating:
Summary: The Haunting Beauty of Antarctica
Review: Jim Mastro got to do what so few of us are able to do - to spend a year at the bottom of the world and experience the frenetic summers and the solitary winters. His experiences are recorded here to share with readers and makes for a fascinating and beautiful book. Mastro spent a year working in Antarctica as a diver and lab support person. He has recorded in words and photographs what he experienced and saw. And this is what is different about his book. Other books such as "Terra Incognita" and "Antarctica: Exploring the Extreme: 400 Years of Adventure" try to describe the beauty and danger of the southern continent. This book shows you. The photos are glorious and breathtaking and serve to illustrate the stories Mastro writes. If anything now I am even more determined that I must see Antarctica myself. He gives you the majesty of this bleak land, as well as the intimacy that comes as the night closes in for the winter, and finally the small slivers of joy that come as the winter begins to recede and light returns to the continent. A cycle of life and rebirth that so few of us will ever get to see is wonderfully illustrated here. Just a wonderful book.
Rating:
Summary: Seasons at the Bottom of the World.
Review: Jim Mastro's book is beautifully photographed and written. By seasons,there are gripping stories of his time spent (nearly 4 years) in the coldest place on earth. It's almost like reading his journal. I guess it is. Between sighting Orcas and other incredible sights they also endured deadly winter storms to what could have been the worst disaster of the history of the U.S. Antartic Program. The reader really feels the cold as Mastro's descriptions are vivid in detail add a sense of realness. Imagine nights that last all day and days that last all night. There are a lot of exciting vividly described adventures/photos in this book. Well written and photographed, I recommend this book to all adventurists! It's a great coffee table book too.
Julianne
Rating:
Summary: Seasons at the Bottom of the World.
Review: Jim Mastro's book is beautifully photographed and written. By seasons,there are gripping stories of his time spent (nearly 4 years) in the coldest place on earth. It's almost like reading his journal. I guess it is. Between sighting Orcas and other incredible sights they also endured deadly winter storms to what could have been the worst disaster of the history of the U.S. Antartic Program. The reader really feels the cold as Mastro's descriptions are vivid in detail add a sense of realness. Imagine nights that last all day and days that last all night. There are a lot of exciting vividly described adventures/photos in this book. Well written and photographed, I recommend this book to all adventurists! It's a great coffee table book too.
Julianne
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