Apr 13 2025 50 mins 33
Prepare to journey into the icy realms of Arctic and Antarctic exploration in this chilling episode of History Rage. Host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and author Mark Piesing, as they dive into the frosty depths of polar exploration history beyond the well-trodden tales of Scott and Shackleton. Mark, the author of "N4 Down: The Hunt for the Arctic Airship Italia," brings a fresh perspective on the lesser-known explorers who braved the harsh polar climates.
Episode Highlights:
- Mark Piesing’s Journey: Mark shares his unconventional path to becoming a historian and his passion for uncovering overlooked stories in aviation and polar exploration.
- The Overlooked Explorers: Discover the stories of Fridtjof Nansen, Elisha Kent Kane, and Louise Boyd, among others, who made significant contributions to polar exploration yet remain in the shadows of their British counterparts.
- The Global Race to the Poles: Explore the motivations and challenges faced by explorers from various nations, including the Norwegians, Italians, and Russians, in their quests for polar glory.
- The Role of Aviation: Delve into how aviation pioneers like Roald Amundsen transformed polar exploration, challenging the traditional narratives dominated by sledges and dog teams.
- The Shackleton and Scott Obsession: Mark passionately critiques the overemphasis on Shackleton and Scott in British polar history, advocating for a broader recognition of international contributions.
Join us for an eye-opening exploration of polar history that challenges the conventional narratives and highlights the diverse and daring figures who ventured into the unknown. For more on Mark’s work, grab a copy of his book "N4 Down: The Hunt for the Arctic Airship Italia" and follow him on Twitter @MarkPiesing.
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