Beyond Belief

Apparently life wasn't challenging enough in 1897 for Adrien de Gerlache, so he decided to pioneer exploration of Antarctica and find the magnetic South Pole. What became of the crew of his ship, the Belgica, is the stuff of nightmares. I cannot fathom such a strain, physically or mentally. Well-written and researched, this book was engaging throughout, and made me absolutely positive I have no desire to visit Antarctica.