Author:Sara Wheeler
Apsley Cherry-Garrard (1886-1959) was one of the youngest members of Captain Scott's final expedition to the Antarctic. Cherry undertook an epic journey in the Antarctic winter to collect the eggs of the Emperor penguin. The temperature fell to seventy below, it was dark all the time, his teeth shattered in the cold and the tent blew away. 'But we kept our tempers,' Cherry wrote, 'even with God.'
After serving in the First War Cherry was invalided home, and with the zealous encouragement of his neighbour Bernard Shaw he wrote a masterpiece. In The Worst Journey in the World Cherry transformed tragedy and grief into something fine. But as the years unravelled he faced a terrible struggle against depression, breakdown and despair, haunted by the possibility that he could have saved Scott and his companions.
This is the first biography of Cherry. Sara Wheeler, who has travelled extensively in the Antarctic, has had unrestricted access to new material and the full co-operation of Cherry's family.
Accomplishes what only the best biographies can
—— The TimesBeautiful...written with unfailing eloquence and grace, and great admiration for its subject
—— IndependentBrilliantly succeeds not only in bringing this modest man disarmingly to life but also in recreating the England of his time and social setting...a formidable accomplishment
—— Sunday TelegraphBeautifully written... Wheeler's vocabulary to evoke this luminous and cruel continent appears limitless
—— New York TimesWith this wonderful biography Sara Wheeler has now vaulted into the front rank of modern British writers...this volume is so much more than a story of one remarkable man. It is among other things an exploration of the mind, a tour through the notions of national identity and pride, and a celebration of the tensile strength of the human spirit
—— Simon WinchesterThere is insight and elegance in her writing, and the crystal-clear understanding that has made possible the ghostly re-incarnation of this elusive man
—— Sunday TimesShe brilliantly communicates the icy spell that holds her, and held Cherry, in its frozen grip
—— ObserverThe Antartic world and its explorers linger long after the book is finished
—— Literary ReviewSuperb
—— GuardianThis is a man in love with his calling.
—— Jim White , Daily TelegraphMotty is, in the words of the old cliché, a legend in his own lifetime. He has brought knowledge of and passion for football direct into the homes of millions - he is a national institution, recognised and loved. He is also a thoroughly decent bloke.
—— Tony BlairJohn Motson has for many years been the undisputed true voice of English football.
—— Sir Bobby RobsonThere is no doubting Motty is a footie hero ... this will be an ideal stocking-filler for dads at Christmas
—— News of the WorldLike Cheryl Cole and Lincolnshire sausages, John Motson is a national treasure to be cherished. From his verbal scraps with Brian Clough to the traumatic Hillsborough tragedy, his autobiography reveals the man behind the microphone.
—— Sport MagazineJohn Motson is an institution and his commentaries on Match of the Day are part of the fabric of football. The BBC legend has been behind the microphone for 40 years, covering just about every big match going.
—— MetroBright and breezy ... it reflects on a lifetime watching football matches big and small and of bumping into all the heroes of the game
—— Sunday ExpressStrangely compelling memoir by one of the best-known sports commentators of his generation. If you cannot remember what colour shirts Newcastle United wore in 1972 when they were drummed out of the FA Cup by Hereford ... this is the book for you
—— Financial Times 'Books of the Year'Motty's knowledge and passion for football are unrivalled as he shares his story for the first time with humour and honesty.
—— Oxford TimesFilled with a multitude of detail about Motson's background and the sporting times he lived through ...Motson is one of the most intelligent and accomplished commentators in history, a voice that has conveyed the best (and worst, depending on your allegiance) moments in the recent past of the game. His book offers a fascinating look at what goes on behind the scenes of football broadcasting, as well as a trip down memory lane for many supporters. A must-read for any football fan.
—— Sunday Business PostThe voice of the sheepskinned sage and cult hero John Motson will doubtless be heard at the 2010 tournament, and he reminisces on his career to date in the amusing Motty: Forty Years in the Commentary Box
—— Independent on Sunday 'Books of the Year'