To the Ends of the Earth: The Truth Behind the Glory of Polar Exploration (2018)
Explorers supposedly strove to reach the poles for God and country, but in fact, many expedition leaders were driven to these extremes by powerful egos and dreams of fame and fortune. This book reveals the self-serving motivation that was concealed by public admiration for these “heroic” explorers and their incredible exploits.
“To the Ends of the Earth should be considered required reading for any serious study of these larger-than-life but all-too-human historical figures.” — Stephen R. Bown, author of The Last Viking: The Life of Roald Amundsen
“Dippel is an engaging, provocative storyteller whose eye for the unexpected detail is a delight.” — New York Times Book Review
“Dippel crafts his narrative with clarity and occasional dry wit . . . his stories of the explorers who
struggled across the Arctic and Antarctic ice . . . are harrowing (and recurring) tales of woe.” ” — Journal of American History
“This book goes further than most in not just detailing explorer exploits and dangers, but closely
examining what promoted them to lay their lives on the line and head into the unknown. The
result is a vivid, critical survey highly recommended for any history reader.” — Midwest Book Review
“Revisiting the cycle of intrepid explorers like John Franklin, William Parry, James Ross, Elisha
Kent Kane, Fridtjof Nansen, Ronald Amundsen Charles Hall, Adolphus W. Greely, Adrien de
Gerlache, Robert Peary, Fredrick Cook, Ernest Shackleton, and Robert Scott, this narrative turns
their explorations upside down for a rare look at the real motives behind their leaders.” — Manhattan Book Review
“Readers who have heard of the incredible exploits of such famous explorers as Robert F. Scott,
Roald Amundsen, James Cook, and Robert Peary will find in this book an intriguing explanation
for what impelled these men to endure unimaginable cold, near-starvation, and years of isolation
at the ends of the earth.” — Top of the World Books