Book Charting Race to the Pole to Launch at Home of Discovery

The gripping story of the race to reach the South Pole is set to be brought to life at Discovery Point this September, at the official launch of Polar author Michael Smith’s eagerly anticipated new book, Towards the Coldest Place; published by The History Press. Smith, an authority on Polar history, has written 12 books and Towards the Coldest Place is endorsed by legendary presenter and performer, Michael Palin.  

Smith traces the compelling history of Antarctic exploration for over 2,000 years, starting with the Ancient Greeks and ending in the dramatic climax in the 20th century race between Norwegian expert Amundsen and the tragic Captain Scott.  

Using his extensive research, Smith introduces many captivating and largely unknown stories in the quest to stand at the most southerly point on earth. These include one perilous expedition when only 18 of the 270 crew survived, or the opportunistic Norwegian claiming to be the first to set foot on Antarctica, the kilted Scots piper performing to a puzzled penguin and the French captain who typified national sang-froid by cracking open the champagne.  

Towards the Coldest Place will be launched at Discovery Point at 6pm on 26 September and the event will include an illustrated talk by Michael Smith and a book signing. There will be a licensed bar. Tickets are £15 and should be pre-booked via the Dundee Heritage Trust website.  

Michael Smith is an author and journalist who has written a dozen books on Polar history for adults and children, lectured extensively, appeared on TV and radio and assisted with the development and films and documentaries.    

Sophie Hinde, Heritage Manager at Dundee Heritage Trust said: “It is our honour to host Michael Smith at Discovery Point once again, for the launch of this highly anticipated book. Discovery’s story – and those of its officers and crew – are intrinsic in the wider story of the race to the South Pole, and so, makes for a fitting backdrop to this book launch.”  

Michael Smith said: “Dundee is the spiritual home of British exploration to Antarctica and it is fitting that Discovery Point is will launch the epic story of the race to the South Pole with publication of ‘Towards the Coldest Place’.”