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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