Cherry by Sara Wheeler

'Accomplishes what only the best biographies can' The Times

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 in an 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 and a brilliant one. 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.

Sara Wheeler

Reviews

“ She brilliantly communicates the icy spell that holds her, and held Cherry, in its frozen grip ”

Observer

“ The Antartic world and its explorers linger long after the book is finished ”

Literary Review

“ There 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 Times

EBook

9781407054377

July 1, 2010

Vintage Digital

384 pages
Online retailers
Cherry

Sara Wheeler

Paperback

9780099437536

December 2, 2002

Vintage

384 pages

RRP $24.99
Online retailers
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