He gives the impression of being racist, sexist, and overly verbose.

The book is extremely challenging to read as it lacks a clear and meaningful point.

Moreover, it doesn't appear to have any sort of organizational structure.

It's as if the author just rambled on without any coherent plan or purpose.

The language used is convoluted and makes it hard for the reader to follow the train of thought.

One can't help but wonder if the author was even aware of the lack of focus and organization in the book.

Overall, it's a disappointment and not a book that I would recommend to others.

Perhaps the author needs to reevaluate their writing style and approach to ensure that their work is more engaging and meaningful.

I was completely and utterly drawn in.

Antarctica is a place that holds an almost magical allure, and if you have ever dreamt of visiting this remote and breathtaking continent, then this is truly it.

The moment you set foot on its icy shores, you are transported to a world like no other.

The vast expanses of snow and ice, the towering glaciers, and the unique wildlife all combine to create an experience that is both humbling and awe-inspiring.

Whether you are exploring on foot, taking a cruise along the coast, or simply standing still and taking in the beauty around you, Antarctica will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

So, if you have the opportunity to visit this remarkable place, don't hesitate.

Embrace the adventure and let Antarctica draw you in as it did me.

Nice is a beautiful city located in the southeast of France.

It is renowned for its stunning beaches, mild climate, and rich history.

The city offers a plethora of attractions for tourists to explore.

One can visit the old town with its charming narrow streets and ancient buildings.

The Promenade des Anglais is another popular destination, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the seafront and take in the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Nice also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters.

The local cuisine is a delight, featuring delicious dishes such as ratatouille, socca, and salade niçoise.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting cultural experience, Nice has something to offer for everyone.

It truly is a wonderful place to visit and explore.

I've already shared my intense interest in the frozen regions of this planet. So, when I came across this book during our library field trip (my family and I visited five branches of the Ocean State Library system in a single day), I immediately thought it was worth looking into.

Yes, it's a rather slow read. Comprising just 200 pages of prose (with the last 40 or so pages being endnotes), it took me a full five days to make my way through it. It was much like the Kapitan Khlebnikov laboriously making its way through the ice off the coast of Antarctica.

That being said, there are some truly captivating parts. I had no clue that albatrosses, due to their long years at sea, possess a mechanism that enables their bodies to remove the salt from the water they consume and excrete it through a tube near their nostrils. After sharing this story with my husband, he related an incident from his time on deployment with the US Navy. A bird of some sort had hitched a ride on the ship, and the sailors were worried about its well-being, fearing it would die without access to fresh water. Once I informed him about how pelagic birds can desalinate ocean water, he felt rather silly for not knowing this fact.

Matthiessen also delves into various polar expeditions and their results. He doesn't hold back in expressing his honest opinions about them, especially in the epilogue, which I found quite entertaining. However, he also has a tendency to sermonize about the dreadful effects of global warming and the ways in which humans are causing harm to the planet, which might put off some readers.

This book is more geared towards those who are fascinated by birds rather than the Antarctic itself, although I did manage to learn a great deal. I would have preferred if there had been either more photos or drawings of the birds Matthiessen describes, as it's challenging to envision something one has never seen.

For the love of God, can we please compel all authors to use footnotes instead of endnotes??

Impenetrable book. This description seems rather harsh, yet it holds some truth for many. Unless you have an absolute and unwavering passion for reading about birds, this book might just seem like a jumble of words and facts that are difficult to penetrate. The subject matter, while perhaps fascinating to some, may not have the universal appeal to draw in a wide range of readers. It requires a specific interest and dedication to truly engage with the content. However, for those who are deeply enamored with the world of birds, this book could potentially be a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. It might offer unique insights, detailed descriptions, and captivating stories that would keep them turning the pages with great enthusiasm. But for the rest of us, it remains an impenetrable book, waiting for the right person with the right passion to unlock its secrets.

**"End of the Earth: Voyaging to Antarctica" by Peter Matthiessen**

Peter Matthiessen and the National Geographic Society embarked on an extraordinary adventure as they literally trekked to the end of the earth on the ultimate wildlife safari. In this captivating account, Matthiessen takes readers on a journey to the remote and pristine continent of Antarctica.

The book offers a vivid and detailed description of the unique landscapes, harsh climate, and diverse wildlife that can be found in this extreme environment. From the majestic glaciers to the playful penguins, Matthiessen's writing brings the beauty and wonder of Antarctica to life.

My personal rating for this book is 7/10. I finished reading it in 2005 and was truly impressed by the author's ability to capture the essence of this remarkable place. What's more, I purchased my like new hardback copy on 3/12/17 from McKay's Books for just $1.50, which was an absolute steal.

This book is a must-read for anyone with an interest in nature, adventure, or exploration. It offers a rare glimpse into a world that few have the opportunity to experience firsthand.

End of the Earth: Voyaging to Antarctica is a literary gem that will transport you to the farthest reaches of our planet.

A Nice Little Travel Journal with Brilliant Moments

Traveling is one of the most wonderful experiences in life. It allows us to explore new places, meet new people, and create memories that will last a lifetime. This travel journal is a record of my recent adventure, filled with brilliant moments that I will cherish forever.

I started my journey in a small town, where I was greeted by the warm smiles of the locals. The town was filled with charming cafes, colorful markets, and historical buildings that seemed to tell stories of the past. I spent my days wandering the streets, taking in the sights and sounds, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

From there, I traveled to a nearby mountain range, where I was amazed by the breathtaking views. The snow-capped peaks, the lush green forests, and the crystal-clear lakes were a sight to behold. I went on several hikes, taking in the fresh air and the natural beauty around me. At night, I sat by the campfire, looking up at the stars and feeling a sense of peace and tranquility.

This travel journal is a reminder of the amazing experiences I had on my trip. It is a testament to the power of travel to开阔 our minds, enrich our lives, and create memories that will stay with us forever.

I have a certain obsession with Antarctica. I once read a really excellent book by Matthiessen, namely The Tree Where Man Was Born. So, I naturally assumed that I would love this current work of his as well. However, I was wrong!

One thing I've noticed about Matthiessen is that sometimes he just seems to visit places and describe them. But it doesn't give the impression that he is truly and deeply interested in them. That's exactly how this book comes across to me. Up to this point (I've managed to get about a third of the way through), there has been no indication of his own personal feelings regarding the things he is observing. He discusses everything in such a dry and detached manner. And then, every now and then, there is a preachy segment about environmental issues, but nothing really feels sincere or passionate or anything to me.

I'm going to give up on this one. Nevertheless, I still have high hopes for The Snow Leopard one day. I'm hoping that it will be a more engaging and passionate read that truly captures my interest and makes me feel something.

The best thing about this book is undoubtedly the inscription written by the person who gave it to me.

Peter, the giver, can often be awfully dull. However, in this instance, his act of giving has had an unexpected consequence.

By the same token, through this simple gesture, he has managed to plant a seed of desire within me to go to Antarctica.

The thought of the vast, icy continent now lingers in my mind, constantly pulling at my curiosity.

I find myself imagining the breathtaking landscapes, the unique wildlife, and the sense of isolation that Antarctica offers.

This seed of desire has the potential to grow into a full-fledged adventure, one that could change my life forever.

Thanks to Peter's dullness and the inscription in the book, a new world of possibilities has opened up before me.

Mattheissen undertakes the ambitious task of penning a book that ingeniously combines history, social justice, and a touch of descriptive poetry. It is like the 'From Little Things Big Things Grow' of books.

There are indeed sections within the book that are captivating to read. For instance, the accounts of early journeys are filled with vivid details that transport the reader back in time. The gradual yet significant reduction of the Antarctic ecosystem is presented in a way that makes one deeply aware of the importance of conservation. Additionally, the exploration of the early penguin oil industry provides a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.

However, it must be noted that the book is not consistent throughout. Some parts may lack the same level of engaging narrative or depth as others. Nevertheless, Mattheissen's attempt to blend these diverse elements is值得称赞的. Overall, the book offers a unique perspective and is a valuable contribution to the literary world.

A truly legendary polar explorer has recently detailed his remarkable trips to Antarctica.

His accounts are not only filled with thrilling adventures but also vividly showcase his deep love and unwavering fascination for the white continent.

From the moment he first set foot on the icy shores, he was captivated by the vastness and beauty that surrounded him.

The harsh conditions, the extreme cold, and the unpredictable weather did not deter him; instead, they only added to the allure.

He described the magnificent glaciers that seemed to stretch for miles, the unique wildlife that thrived in this unforgiving environment, and the sense of isolation and peace that he felt in the midst of it all.

His stories are a testament to his courage, determination, and passion for exploration, and they serve as an inspiration for future generations to follow in his footsteps and discover the wonders of Antarctica for themselves.

3 stars would, perhaps, be more accurate.

Especially if the book had ended 50 or 100 pages sooner. The fact is that by the time I was that far into it, I was just skimming severely.

I hate to give such a low rating as I think so highly of Peter Matthiessen and I have truly enjoyed some of his books.

This one, though, was too much like a field trip report. Even though I love to bird watch, there is too much about all kinds of birds that I really know nothing about. (I love birdwatching, but I'm not particularly good at it.)

Would I reread this if I ever decided to take a trip to Antarctica? Absolutely, but that is the only thing that would make me do it!

The book had its moments, but overall it didn't quite live up to my expectations. Maybe it was because I was looking for something more engaging and less of a dry recitation of facts. However, I still respect Matthiessen's work and will continue to explore his other books in the future.