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End of the Earth: Voyaging to Antarctica

peter matthiessen kenneth garrett

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End of the Earth brings to life the waters of the richest whale feeding grounds in the world, the wandering albatross with its 11-foot wingspan arching through the sky, and the habits of every variety of seal, walrus, petrel, and penguin in the area, all with boundless and contagious inquisitiveness. Magnificently written, the book evokes an appreciation and sympathy for a region as harsh as it is beautiful.

"Luminous and haunting . . . the contemporary Thoreau."--The Wall Street Journal

"[Matthiessen] doesn't waste words, and in End of the Earth: Voyages to Antarctica, his homage to the austere splendor of that frozen continent, he hasn't deployed a single one whose choice I would care to take issue with. . . . Matthiessen writes crusty, chiseled sentences that demand to be read slowly--the perfect prose equivalent of the landscapes he's describing."--The New York Times Book Review

"Matthiessen and polar landscapes seem perfectly suited. . . . I found myself constantly re-reading sentences or paragraphs to savour all of their rich resonances. . . . Few if any authors on the region have so successfully compressed . . . Antarctic life . . . and I suspect it will become standard reading."--The Guardian

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,2003

This edition

Format
288 pages, Paperback
Published
September 1, 2004 by National Geographic
ISBN
9780792268369
ASIN
0792268369
Language

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About the author

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peter matthiessen

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Rating(4 / 5.0, 35 votes)
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35 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
k3woru
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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NF

204 pages

Matthiessen, a truly gifted writer, had an extraordinary ability to transport his readers into the heart of his stories. As I delved into the pages of this particular work, I found myself completely immersed in the description of this frozen land.

With his vivid and detailed prose, Matthiessen painted a picture so realistic that I could almost feel the bitter cold seeping through my bones.

The way he described the harsh winds, the snow-covered landscapes, and the desolate silence of the frozen tundra made it seem as if I was standing right there, experiencing it all firsthand.

His words had a magical quality that allowed me to connect with the environment on a deeper level, making me appreciate both the beauty and the brutality of this unforgiving place.

Reading about this frozen land under Matthiessen's guidance was an unforgettable experience that left me with a newfound respect for the power of nature and the talent of this remarkable writer.
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tsubasa00kurenai
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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He could have subtitled the book 'Birds of Antarctica', which would have provided readers with a clear indication that his voyages were centered around ornithology.

However, all the detailed bird information eventually became tiresome. Fortunately, Matthiessen salvages the book by including scathing mini-diatribes against the government and corporate entities that are despoiling the earth.

His thoughts regarding the impact of Antarctica are not only introspective but also philosophical and life-affirming.

It is not merely about the physical journey but rather about what that journey elicits within a person.

This aspect adds a deeper layer of meaning to the book, making it more than just a collection of bird-related facts and observations.

Matthiessen's ability to intertwine his environmental concerns with his personal reflections makes the book a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Despite the initial tedium of the bird information, the overall message of the book leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
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HeartlessMustard
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Matthiessen's account of his journey to the Seventh Continent is truly captivating and almost impossible to put aside.

As is his customary style, he combines poetic descriptions that paint vivid pictures in the reader's mind with in-depth discussions of scientific and factual details.

I had the pleasure of reading this book prior to my own trip to Antarctica, and once I started, I simply couldn't part with it.

The writing is absolutely gorgeous, transporting the reader to the icy landscapes and unique ecosystems of Antarctica.

Matthiessen's ability to blend the beauty of the natural world with scientific knowledge makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in Antarctica or nature writing in general.

It not only provides valuable information but also evokes a sense of wonder and awe for the frozen continent.

Whether you are planning a trip to Antarctica or simply want to explore this distant and mysterious place through the pages of a book, Matthiessen's story is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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kei_chan
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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The approach adopted in this work is indeed interesting.

However, it is marred by an abundance of mistakes. If one has had the privilege of visiting Antarctica or, even worse, if one works there every summer season, every year, then reading this becomes a hilarious experience.

The most amusing aspect is being acquainted with some of the individuals described within the book. It's important to note that all are contemporary, and perhaps their names were altered for the sake of privacy.

It is quite astonishing that a book riddled with so many errors managed to be published by National Geographic. This calls into question the editorial standards and the vetting process that should have been in place to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the content.

One would expect a publication of such repute to uphold a higher level of quality control.
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FAKEANIMEGIRL
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Good is a simple yet powerful word. It can describe a wide range of things, from a delicious meal to a kind-hearted person. When we say something is good, we are expressing our approval and satisfaction with it.

We often use the word good to describe our experiences. For example, we might say "I had a good day at work" or "That was a good movie." It can also be used to describe people. A good friend is someone who is loyal, trustworthy, and always there for you.

Good can also have a moral connotation. When we say that someone is a good person, we mean that they have strong moral values and do the right thing. In this sense, good is closely related to concepts like kindness, honesty, and integrity.

In conclusion, good is a versatile and important word that we use in many different contexts. It allows us to express our positive feelings and evaluations, and it plays an important role in our understanding of the world around us.
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mr_steal_your_ai
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This is a truly superb book!


It offers an abundance of great information on the wildlife of Antarctica. You'll learn about the unique species that inhabit this harsh and beautiful continent, from the adorable penguins waddling around to the majestic whales swimming in the frigid waters.


But it's not just about the facts. The author has also crafted beautiful prose that vividly describes the mesmerizing characteristics of Antarctica. You'll feel as if you're right there, experiencing the vastness of the ice sheets, the purity of the snow, and the otherworldly beauty of the aurora australis.


Whether you're a nature lover, a geography enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a captivating read, this book is sure to delight and inspire you.

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TalviSfinxi
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I have a longing deep within my heart. I want to go there - to the ends of the earth - with PM. The thought of embarking on such a journey with PM is both exciting and thrilling.


Imagine the beautiful landscapes we would encounter along the way. From vast deserts to snow-capped mountains, from lush rainforests to serene beaches. We would experience different cultures, taste unique cuisines, and make memories that would last a lifetime.


PM is someone special to me, and sharing this adventure with him would make it even more meaningful. We would support each other, encourage each other, and grow together during this journey.


Although the idea of going to the ends of the earth may seem far-fetched, it is a dream that I hold dear. I hope that one day, this dream will come true, and I will be able to go there - to the ends of the earth - with PM.

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Huangi
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Matthiessen's writing is truly remarkable for its visual quality.

Although this is a rather calm read that focuses more on vividly describing the arctic than on captivating a reader who might require more plot or character development to be engaged, many of the passages are simply intoxicating.

When reading this work, it often gives the impression of watching a documentary, with images scrolling by one after another. The narrative zooms in on various creatures and phenomena, offering brief yet fascinating explorations.

I must admit that there were times when I craved something more - perhaps more depth in the characters or a stronger sense of progression. However, this book has a unique charm that has the power to calm the outside world and draw the reader in, allowing them to sink deeper and deeper into its pages as they continue reading.

All things considered, I doubt that this will ultimately become my favorite among his works. Nevertheless, I am glad to have had the opportunity to read and explore it, as it has provided me with a unique and memorable experience.
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