Roland Huntford: The Critic Who Rewrote Polar History

Roland Huntford, a writer whose exploration of polar history ignited controversy, passed away at age 98. His 1979 book, "Scott and Amundsen: The Race to the South Pole," challenged the heroic narrative of Captain Robert Falcon Scott, suggesting his and his companions' deaths were self-inflicted due to incompetence. This portrayal clashed with Scott's esteemed national status, prompting legal action from Scott's son, who had initially granted Huntford access to family papers. Despite the dispute, Huntford's rigorous research was upheld by academics at Cambridge and Oxford, leading to prestigious fellowships.

Huntford's prolific career was deeply influenced by his time as a Scandinavian correspondent for The Observer. His research into the 1910 British Antarctic Expedition revealed significant disparities between the British explorers and their Norwegian counterparts, led by Roald Amundsen, who successfully reached the South Pole first in December 1911. Huntford highlighted Amundsen's superior planning and survival skills, contrasting with Scott's tragic retreat.

He continued his exploration of heroic polar figures with biographies of Ernest Shackleton, renowned for the "glorious failure" of his Endurance expedition, and Fridtjof Nansen, a pivotal mentor to later explorers. Huntford also authored "Two Planks and a Passion," tracing the dramatic history of skiing, a subject he first explored humorously in 1956. His rigorous research involved proficiency in six languages, enabling him to access primary sources across several countries. His vivid narratives inspired film and television adaptations, including "The Last Place on Earth" and "Shackleton."