Mawson's Will (The Greatest Polar Survival Story Ever Written)

The “grim and inspiring” Arctic survival story of the legendary explorer who completed one of the most harrowing journeys in Antarctica’s history (Wall Street Journal).

50th anniversary edition • Named one of the “10 Best Books of 20th Century Exploration” by the Explorer's Club

Sir Douglas Mawson is remembered as the young Australian who would not go to the South Pole with Robert Scott in 1911. Instead, he chose to lead his own expedition on the less glamorous mission of charting nearly 1,500 miles of Antarctic coastline and claiming its resources for the British Crown. 

6 weeks and 320 miles out, one man fell into a crevasse—along with the tent, most of the equipment, the dogs’ food, and all except a week’s supply of the men's provisions.

Douglas Mawson faced some of the most daunting conditions ever known to man: blistering wind, snow, and cold; the loss of his companions, dogs, supplies, and even the skin on his hands and feet. But despite constant thirst, starvation, disease, and snow blindness — he survived.

Mawson's Will is the unforgettable story of one man’s ingenious practicality, unbreakable spirit, and how he continued his meticulous scientific observations even in the face of death. When the expedition was over, Mawson had added more territory to the Antarctic map than anyone else of his time. Thanks to Bickel’s moving account, Mawson can be remembered for the vision and dedication that make him one of the world’s great explorers.