Mawson : a life

Philip Ayres
Published by Melbourne University Press (1999)

ISBN: 0522848117

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Book description
In the heroic age of polar exploration, Sir Douglas Mawson stands in the first rank. His Antarctic expeditions of 1911-14 and 1929-31 resulted in Australia's claiming 40 per cent of the sixth continent. The sole survivor of an epic 300-mile trek, Mawson was also a scientist of national stature. His image on banknotes and stamps reflects enduring public esteem. Yet until now there has been no comprehensive, objective biography of this tall, quiet figure.

In this long-awaited, most impressive and readable biography, Philip Ayres not only illuminates Douglas Mawson's many achievements but also enables us to know and understand him as a human being. The book's many illustrations include reproductions of exquisite early colour photographs from the Antarctic expedition of 1911-14.

About the author
Philip Ayres is Associate Professor of English Literature at Monash University and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, London. A meticulous researcher and experienced biographer, his previous books include Malcolm Fraser: a biography, and Classical culture and the Idea of Rome in eighteenth century England.

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