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William Speirs Bruce

Written by: Isobel P. Williams, John Dudeney
Narrated by: Dennis Kleinman
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Publisher's Summary

William Speirs Bruce was a Scottish nationalist and naturalist who led the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition (1902-04). He also participated in or led many other polar expeditions from 1892 through 1919, particularly to Spitsbergen. But he is now largely forgotten, compared to other explorers like Shackleton, Scott, and Amundsen.   

Bruce made discoveries that are recognized today. Under the banner of Scotland (S.N.A.E.), he brought a team of experienced scientists together, who contributed significantly to the knowledge of the Polar Regions. During the expedition of 1902 to the Antarctic in Scotia, he discovered new land bordering the Weddell Sea, made an unrivaled number of meteorological and oceanographic records, and built a meteorological station in the South Orkney Islands that still operates today. In addition to these, he explored and charted the Arctic islands and linked up with scientists in Europe and South America to make a model for international collaboration and advancement of knowledge. His contribution to science, particularly oceanography, made highly significant advances in the dangerous oceans around Antarctica that are only now being equaled.   

His scientific achievements were probably greater and more lasting than any of his contemporaries'.

©2018 Isobel P. Williams (P)2019 Isobel P. Williams

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A well-told tale of polar exploration and science

William Speirs Bruce Forgotten Polar Hero by Isobel P. Williams and John Dudeney

This is the third book on polar explorers that Isobel Williams has written, this one in collaboration with respected polar scientist John Dudeney. Having thoroughly enjoyed the first two books, biographies of R. F. Scott’s Antarctic expedition companions Edward Wilson and Edgar Evans, I was happy to discover another well-told tale of a polar explorer whose lasting impact is considerable.

When I started the book I knew nothing of William Speirs Bruce, the Scottish naturalist and polar explorer, but it led me on a fascinating journey through the life and work of a complex man whose stiff character made him a challenge to deal with. The authors conclude that he was very likely on the autism spectrum, to which I would add (from personal experience) that he may have had a touch of Asperger’s Syndrome.

For me what sets this book apart from Williams’ previous works is the emphasis on the scientific works and achievements of the subject. Bruce explored in both the Arctic and Antarctic pursuing commercial and scientific goals, although his major efforts were scientific. His difficult character cost him financially, not only in trying to raise expedition funds but also in securing a regular income to finance his day-to-day home life in a marriage that eventually broke down. He is probably best remembered for the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition of 1902-04.

This is an excellent book about a man whose scientific achievements continue to bear fruit today and that, for me, take on added significance in the current global warming situation that has resulted in many nations once again taking steps to exert polar sovereignty.

William Speirs Bruce made significant scientific contributions to meteorology and as a naturalist and I highly recommend this excellent telling of his life story.

Bill Ross,
Toronto, Canada

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