Dawn broke fine on that fatal day. A couple of thousand feet above the tiny canvas tent the summit of the world''s highest mountain stood impassively, waiting for someone to have the courage to approach. Inside the ice-crusted shelter, two forms lay still as death. Then there was a groan,...

A Pulitzer Prize-winning author examines South Pole expeditions, "wrapping the science in plenty of dangerous drama to keep readers engaged" ( Booklist).   An Empire of Ice presents a fascinating new take on Antarctic exploration--placing...