An Unsung Hero

The story of the remarkable Tom Crean who ran away to sea aged 15 and played a memorable role in Antarctic exploration. He spent more time in the unexplored Antarctic than Scott or Shackleton, and outlived both. Among the last to see Scott alive, Crean was in the search party that found the frozen body. An unforgettable story of triumph over unparalleled hardship and deprivation.



Michael Smith, a former journalist, is an established authority on Polar exploration. His other books are I Am Just Going Outside, a biography of Captain Oates (2002), Polar Crusader about Sir James Wordie (2004), Tom Crean - An Illustrated Life (2006) and Captain Francis Crozier - Last Man Standing? (2006). Michael has also written two books for children, Tom Crean - Ice Man and Shackleton - The Boss. He contributes to TV and radio documentaries and lectures on Polar history.