A forgotten hero. The story of Tom Crean, the man who survived Antarctica

Original title: An unsung hero – Antarctic survivor
Translation: Tomás Fernández Aúz
Year of publication: 2000
Valuation: Between is good and recommended

Well, it gives me the impression that the title of the book does not fully express what we are going to find in it. Because a forgotten hero It is not a biography of Tom Crean nor a historical work about his figure, but rather it is a short profile of the polar explorer and an extensive summary of the three expeditions in which he participated. Therefore, it is more of a journalistic work than a historical one. Let it be clear!

For those who do not know, Tom Crean was an Irishman who was part of three of the great polar adventures of the Heroic Age: the Discovery expedition (1901-1904) and the Terra Nova (19010-1913), both captained by Robert F. Scott, and that of the Endurance (1914-1916), led by Sir Ernest Shackleton. Not only that, in all of them he stood out for his involvement, for his character and for participating in three of the greatest polar epics in history: his journey with Bowers and Cherry-Garrard (mental note #1: I have to reread and review The worst trip in the world)the rescue of Evans and the navigation from Elephant Island to San Pedro Island (South Georgia) in a “txintxorro”.

In this sense, I like the author’s vindication of those secondary characters without whom polar exploration and all its achievements would not have been possible, characters for whom Antarctica functioned as the purpose and meaning of their lives, beings kept anonymous. that contribute decisively to writing History.

Another aspect that I find notable about the book is how it reflects the atmosphere of the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. What is striking is the rigidity of Scott’s command (yes, he was quite pitiful as a boss/organizer, but the author makes him get off a donkey (or is it a Siberian pony?) and the social segregation existing on board with Shackleton’s greater flexibility, although McNish would have to be asked about Mr. Sir.

Finally, it must be recognized that the book is a good introduction for those who do not know much about the history of polar exploration. a forgotten hero It is a good summary of three brutal stories and is told with good pacing.

Furthermore, and as I have mentioned, it is advisable not to approach him with a historical/biographical spirit. I have already said that there are notable historical aspects in the book, but I think it is weighed down by the existence of greater assumptions than certainties and by the absolute dependence on third sources (Scott, Evans, Bowers, Cherry-Garrard, etc.) on which Crean is a secondary character.

In the end. You already know that these stories fascinate me, and perhaps my “problem” with Michael Smith’s book is that: having read too much? on the topic. If this is not your case, a forgotten hero can be a good option.