The Far South
p. 88 · Read in the full issue
A Good Book Fro.
I HAVE an idea that Bechervaise when writing his about Antarctica, The Far South out to arouse the interest ofl man-in-the-street. He succeeds ao ably.
John Bechervaise has spent nearly four of the last seven year the Antarctic, having been the 1© of three Australian National Antas Research Expeditions wintering in far south. He is now a mast© Geelong Grammar School, Corio His account, vigorous and ranging, covers the history ' Antarctica, its physical make-up ( climate, its bird and animal life,, the important scientific work has been carried on there.
The Far South is an ideal hi duction to Antarctica. It is aid splendid piece of writing. Ther the incredible and moving story ok emperor penguin’s battle to perpet its species and the description ofi breath-taking beauty of the auu and the endless ice.
John Bechervaise enjoys wn phrases that delight and surprises readers. One such passage is qur here; “Inland in Antarctica cherm action is inhibited and bacteria doo survive outside their living hosts, whole world spins in a deep fr© the air and the snow are dry. Md do not rust, wood does not rot flesh is incorruptible”.
Describing how ice is formeo: Antarctica by a slow continuous cess, the author explains how, onr plateaux one may pass down thro history, penetrating snows that fele former years. “A cone lifted byi ice-drill may bring to the eye precipitation of the year that Capq Cook circumnavigated the pack : and commenced our history in the south. You could meet ice-crys\ for your evening drink that had frozen since the time of Christ”,.' The book is well illustrated J
many excellent photographs.
EN.
(THE FAR SOUTH. Angus & Robe son. 21/-.)