ANTARCTIC BOOKS DUE and WORKS-IN-PROGRESS

Included here are notices of books not yet published and projects underway.

Last updated: 22 April 2008.

Boothe, Joan. History of the South American Sector of Antarctica seeks publisher
Brannigan, David Biography of T.W. Edgeworth David
Cherry-Garrard, Apsley, editor. The South Polar Times Vol IV
Clough, Brenda A. May be Some Time
Davies, Paul. Working on a book about men from South Devon who went South in the Heroic Age
Gillespie, Noel Courage Sacrifice Devotion; The History of the US Navy Antarctic VXE-6 Squadron 1955-99
Gurney, Alan Book underway on the Nimrod expedition
Haddelsey, Stephen Biography of Commander Joseph Russell Stenhouse underway
Headland, Robert K. Antarctic Chronology
Richards, R.W. The Ross Sea Shore Party
Savours, Ann Sir Clements Markham book and article
Stump, Edmund Exploring Deep Field Antarctica
Tatham, David. The Dictionary of Falklands Biography
van Glintenkamp, Rik A coffee table book on his Antarctic collages
Wharton, Margery. Postcards of Antarctic Expeditions. A Catalogue 1898-1958
Wilson, David. Scott's own photographs

Edmund Stump e-mails to say "May I call your attention to a book that I have written, though am yet to find a publisher. It is meant to be a coffee-table book with maps and images that trace the routes of the parties that discovered the Transantarctic Mountains. I have a website with some of the imagery posted: http://www.deepfieldantarctica.com."

David Tatham spoke about his on-going project of editing a biographical dictionary focusing on the Falkland Islands—he was once Governor—at last fall's Shackleton Autumn School in Athy. Here are some details from the brochure that was handed out:

The Dictionary of Falklands Biography describes people concerned with the history of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia from the first discoverers in the sixteenth century up to the eve of the Falklands Conflict of 1982. Entries range from brief notes on lesser personalities to essays of 3,000 words on some of the leading figures.

The Dictionary includes great explorers like James Cook, Bougainville, Bellingshausen and Ernest Shackleton; political figures—ministers, a king, one saint, British, French, Argentine and Spanish governors; and naval commanders involved in heroic exploration and dramatic battles. Special interests include students of natural history and the environment, from Charles Darwin to recent ornithologists; geologists; farmers and agriculturalists; sailors, whalers and sealers; philatelists and a wide range of native Falkland Islanders from pillars of the community to the decidedly eccentric.

The Dictionary casts a fascinating light on the day-to-day life of a small British colony over 180 years, with its administrators, farmers, doctors, priests, merchants, naturalists and a fair crop of characters. Personalities who never visited the Islands, but impinged on their history, from St Malo and Samuel Johnson to assorted Argentine presidents, are also covered.

The Dictionary is illustrated, partly in colour, with many paintings and photographs, some from private collections, not previously published.

Over 480 names are included in the Dictionary, which is edited by a former governor of the Falkland Islands, David Tatham. The entries are written by 120 contributors, many of them the world experts on their subjects. Personalities who were active before 1981 and are still alive have written their own accounts of their lives. The biographies included shed new light on:

• the first discovery of the Islands
• French, British and Spanish
• claims and counter-claims of the 1760s and 1770s
• the whalers, sealers and traders of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries
• the colony of Louis Vernet
• governors and councillors—the growth of British administration the settlement of the Islands and the triumph of the wool economy
• the exploration of South Georgia
• the rise and fall of the whaling industry in South Georgia
• the impact of two World Wars
• beyond wool—the search for agricultural diversity
• the growth of environmental consciousness
• and the steady increase in Argentine pressure on the Islands.

Joan Boothe e-mails to say:

"I have completed the manuscript for a inclusive history focused on Antarctica's South American Sector (South Shetlands, Peninsula, Weddell Sea, South Orkneys, South Shetlands, South Georgia). The working title is The Storied Ice: Exploration, Discovery and Adventure in Antarctica's South American Sector. Despite the fact that this is by far the most visited portion of Antarctica, amazingly no such focused history has been published to date. Instead, we have general Antarctic histories, books about specific expeditions such as Endurance, books about specific periods of time, or natural history books about the region. The work is a comprehensive history, beginning with Magellan and going through the collapse of the Larsen B Ice Shelf in 2002. Unlike other works that provide history of this region, this book focuses on only this part of Antarctica and presents the dramatic human story there in an evolutionary fashion, linking the events and expeditions together in a way. This is particularly important during the Heroic Age, where many histories often present expeditions one by one as if they occurred in isolation. I also make an attempt to give due attention to ALL the major paritcipants, not just the most famous ones or those from selected countries. In addition, the sealers and whalers also get their due with regard to their contribution to exploration and discovery. In short, this work attempts to present a complete and integrated picture-all written in an engaging fashion that conveys my passion for the subject.
Several Antarctic experts, including John Splettstoesser, have seen early drafts and commented positively. At this point I am in the process of seeking a publisher (any thoughts would be welcome!)."

This title is now in print but Noel Gillespie e-mails to say: "I have revised a second edition, adding over 50 pages of text and maps. At present it's with my publishers and should be on sale later in the year or early next year." Appearing below is information on the first edition:

"As a part time freelance aviation writer based in Christchurch New Zealand, I am privileged to be able to cover the United States Navy Deep Freeze air operations in Antarctica. In early 1999 I wrote an extensive historical history of VX-6 Squadron covering 1955-99, for a British historic aviation journal 'AIR Enthusiast'.

At this point, the idea to write a book of the renowned Squadron's illustrious history in Antarctica was conceived and encouraged by my late wife Shirley, along with many old OAE's. A book had to be written of their exploits in Antarctica, and their story had to be told as a chronicle of their achievements on the frozen continent, their sadness, their joys, their lifetime friendships, and the links they cemented with Christchurch.

Like early aviators who had only their wits and reflexes to bring their aircraft down safely, their planes were mere collages of wood, cloth and wire, difficult to control and so sensitive to air currents that even a moderate zephyr could knock them to the ground, while their engines were weak and unreliable, not dissimilar to those early VX-6 aviators, risking their lives, but unlike their early aviation pioneers, the Navy were not risking pride, fame and fortunes, their role was risking their lives to open up the frontier of science and Antarctic exploration.

While other books and publications have been written on Operation Deep Freeze, the part that the famous Air Development Squadron Six played in those 44 years, and the US Navy's role in Antarctica, I believe this is the first book written about the very men and women whose exploits could best be described as the last pioneers of aviation exploration. They were the Boy's Own flying ace heroes, the Biggles of the 20th century, or the Baron von Richthofen's, or the American's Eddie Rickenbacker of World War I 'Flying Circus'.

These young intrepid aviators of VX-6 were continuing the 'Heritage of Kitty Hawk' and their achievements are acknowledge with profound admiration, for their exploits and heroism in the finest traditions of the United States Naval aviation.

Of these OAE's, many of whom I never met, yet I have communicated with them over the past three years would consider them all, without exception, life time friends. I am indeed privileged to have known such a gathering of a bunch of talented and brave aviators who changed Antarctic aviation forever.

This is the story of their achievements flying with planes never manufactured to operate in such harsh climates, and recording their enormous contributions made writing this book possible. Their stories are spattered with humour, for humour was part of what life was on the ice. Their wit, using their tongue savagely at times or charmingly or seductively, was all part of life on the ice in their Jamesway huts. Laughter and seriousness, all happening at the same time, was one way of surviving the isolation and absent families. Beneath the banter there was a pride in what their mates had achieved, and in taking great pleasure in recounting these episodes at length over a long cool beer.

Some paid the ultimate price to advance the cause of science and Antarctic exploration, others have passed away to walk with the angels and catch up with old mates. Men like Eddie Frankiewicz, whose assistance in the writing of this book was immeasurable, although, I never meet Eddie, who passed away on May 9 2003, he still sent me original copies of valued personal, precious material, press cuttings and photos. 'Just copy what you want and post it back in your own time', he said. That was this man's enormous trust in me. Eddie generosity embodies hundreds of other OAE's, all of whom I treat as personal friends with a colourful treasure trove of Antarctic aviation knowledge, who without hesitation searched their minds and memories for me, exchanging e-mails on a regular basis.

To all these proud American men and women who have served their country in Antarctic, I have dedicated this book

This is a story of Courage-Sacrifice-Devotion, which just happens to be the Squadron's Motto. To them Christchurch, New Zealand was their second home for 44 years, and the camaraderie and overwhelming hospitality they received from the folk of Christchurch was two way, and the day the squadron said farewell to the city in February 1999 after their decommissioning, was indeed a sad day, but memories of their occupation will last in the hearts of New Zealanders for many years.

It would be impossible to acknowledge all those who have assisted in the writing of this book, as at times I felt inadequate to undertake such a project. I have taken every possible care to check and recheck all information. This is their story, told by the OAE's themselves, although contributions have come from many sources, every endeavour has been made, recognizing the fact that some stories related could vary a little or be coloured from the actual truth due to the intervening 50 years, but stories which still illustrate their comradeship in what must have been the most taxing and remote peacetime military operation in history.

I am grateful to the United States Navy, the US Naval News and all private collections for permission to publish all the photos herein as well as other material. To acknowledge everyone who contributed would be a volume in itself."

(2 December 2006)

Stephen Haddelsey's next effort: "...I am now working on the first full biography of Commander Joseph Russell Stenhouse DSO, OBE etc: first officer and then commander of the Aurora on Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. The book will cover not only Sten's Antarctic work-—on the Aurora and on the Discovery during the 1920s—but also his service as a Q-ship commander and in North Russia during WWI; his adventures in the US during prohibition; his treasure-hunting exploits; and many more. Already research is progressing well but, as always, I would welcome any information from your readers. The book is to be published by Sutton Publishing in 2007 (which will mark the 120th anniversary of Sten's birth)."

UPDATE: "My biography of J.R. Stenhouse, Ice Captain, is progressing very well. Most recently, I have been researching his period in command of Scott's Discovery during the National Oceanographic Expedition of 1925-27. Some absolutely fascinating material has come to light, all of which I will be working into the book. The book will be published by Sutton Publishing Ltd in October 2007 or January 2008."
(15 April 2006)

UPDATE: "Ice Captain is due out in May this year [2008], but they've begun to advertise the book . . . I'm very pleased with the book, which I think is my best to date. Certainly Stenhouse's life was a veritable whirlwind of action, and fascinating to research and write about."
—From a recent e-mail from Stephen Haddelsey.
(14 January 2008)

Contents
Foreword
1: The Apprentice in Sail
2: South with Shackleton
3: Arrivals & Departures
4: Adrift in McMurdo Sound
5: Prisoners of the Pack
6. Aurora Redux
7: The Mystery Ships
8: War in the Arctic
9: The Syren Flotilla
10: Discovery
11: Oceans Deep
12: The Final Season
13: Pieces of Eight
14: Treasure Island to the Cap Pilar
15: Thames Patrol
16: With his Boots On

UPDATE: Late 2001 has come and gone. No recent news on when Bob's 'Chronology' will appear.
—R. Stephenson
(30 August 2002)

UPDATE: Ditto 2002. What's the score, Bob?
—R. Stephenson
(6 March 2003)

UPDATE: Ditto 2003. I actually saw the latest version of the manuscript earlier this month at SPRI, so it exists but there was a sort of indefiniteness as to publication date.
—R. Stephenson
(28 May 2003)

UPDATE: At the recent Athy Shackleton Autumn School Bob had bound proofs of the Chronology so it may reach the light of day in the not too distant future.
—R. Stephenson
(9 November 2003)

UPDATE: Imminent, I'm told.
—R. Stephenson
(29 September 2004)

UPDATE: Apparently some problems with maps.
—R. Stephenson
(22 May 2005)

UPDATE: Maps still a problem, but I did see the proofs at SPRI when there this month!
—R. Stephenson
(29 November 2005)

UPDATE: I saw Bob in November and he had the bound draft in his hands, but maps still a problem.
—R. Stephenson
(2 December 2006)

UPDATE: The April issue of 'Analog' is now out. Not the easiest thing to find; took two trips to Harvard Square! Pp 12-41 out of 144 pages. This is what Brenda had to say recently: "The magazine has printed the novella [MAY BE SOME TIME], which is about 20,000 words and comprises the front end of the full novel. The web page [http://www.analogsf.com/0104/issue_0104.html] has only an excerpt of the novella, looks like the first couple thousand words. The magazine is a print publication and ought to be available now at newsstands, in big bookstores, etc. So on the web page you really are getting a very tiny sample indeed. The novel itself is far far longer (at this point I'd estimate 150,000 words) and will not be published until 2002 or 2003."
—R. Stephenson
(15 March 2001)

UPDATE: Brenda recently reported that she's done another novella about Titus which should be appearing in the July-August 2002 issue of ANALOG.
Also, her first one "...has made the final ballot for the Nebula Award, which is given by the Science Fiction Writers of America. As a result, the complete novella is up on the Analog web site -- www.analogsf.com" Congratulations!
—R. Stephenson
(10 March 2002)

UPDATE: Have a look at Brenda's very useful bibliography at http://www.sff.net/people/Brenda/rtwbib.htm
—R. Stephenson
(6 March 2003)

NOTE: Those issues of the South Polar Times that were published as Volumes I-III--which now bring very high prices in the rare book market--are about to be reprinted for the first time in the near future. Details are sketchy at this point but we've learned that the set will probably be priced in the neighborhood of £600. [The 3-volume set has since been issued; see details in 'Antarctic Book Notes' elsewhere on this site.]

UPDATE: This project--Vol IV--seems now to be stalled. Vols I-III due out by Christmas [now out--see under 'Antarctic Booknotes elsewhere on this site].
(13 December 2001)

UPDATE: Nothing new on this project.
(6 March 2003)

UPDATE: Ann Savours is working on the introduction. Word has it that the text will not be reset (as volumes I-III were) but photo-offset from the original.
(28 May 2003)

UPDATE: Ann Savours mentioned her involvement in this project during her talk at the recent Shackleton Autumn School in Athy.
(9 November 2003)

UPDATE: An item in the James Caird Society Newsletter of May 2004 reports: "The aim is to publish later this year or early in 2005."

UPDATE: Apparently the photographs got lost between the UK and the US. No further news.
(2 December 2006)

UPDATE: I heard recently that someone was told that the title will appear later this year.
(3 March 2007)

UPDATE: Riffenburgh's book is now out. Nimrod: Ernest Shackleton and the Extraordinary Story of the 1907-09 British Antarctic Expedition. See 'Antarctic Book Notes' elsewhere on this site.
(27 January 2005)

UPDATE: Have heard nothing about Alan Gurney's effort in some time.
(2 December 2006)

UPDATE: "Alan Gurney's book on 'Nimrod' is still a work-in-progress, with publication expected late 2007, or (more likely), 2008."
—Thanks to Joe O'Farrell who's had some recent conversations with Alan.
(2 January 2007)

UPDATE: A recent e-mail from Paul: "I was wildly optimistic to say 2005! I am still researching but aim to start seriously writing in the New Year. It won't be a large book . . . more a booklet 30/40 pages."
(3 December 2006)

UPDATE: I recently received a copy from Rik; a very nice production. Am now waiting to learn of its general availability.
—R. Stephenson
(28 January 2004)

"I thought I should tell you about two other titles in production . . .

The Ross Sea Shore Party by R W Richards. Originally published by SPRI this has long been out of print. It is an amazing and little known story of the party who set out from McMurdo Sound to lay the depots for Shackleton's Trans-Antarctic expedition whose ship Endurance was lost in the ice. Three men died and of course their efforts were in vain as the polar party never got started.

In addition we intend to produce the first English translations next year of the first French Antarctic Expedition led by J.B.Charcot aboard the Français [now out; see 'Antarctic Book Notes' elsewhere on this site] and the first Japanese Antarctic Expedition led by Lt. Shirase.

Perhaps your readers might like to know we also have a web site with full details of all our new books and the current list of second hand material. It is at www.bluntishambooks.co.uk

UPDATE: The latest flyer from Bluntisham Books-Erskine Press says the following: "In 2005 we hope to publish the first English translation of the first Japanese scientific voyage to leave Asian waters-The Japanese Antarctic Expedition of 1910-12 under Nobu Shirase. Books on the 1955-57 Trans-Antarctic Expedition, a biography of William Colbeck, Nordenskjold's expedition and the German Schwabenland expedition are amongst future publications being considered."
(29 January 2005)

UPDATE: The article appeared in the March 2001 issue (Vol 51 [3]; pp 44-51), entitled 'From Greenland's Icy Mountains.' Ann has been working on a book-length biography of Markham.

UPDATE: Ann spoke on Markham at the 4 November 2005 James Caird Society members' evening. Her book on Markham is complete but, oddly enough, no publisher is in the wings. Markham being the key figure in the launch of the 'Heroic Age' one would think this would be a very publishable biography, particularly given the credentials of the author.
—R. Stephenson
(29 November 2005)