Author Description

"Scott is a charming writer who douses the reader with lush descriptions of the jaunty era that produced these men, of the love some found with Eskimo women, of the brutal choices that befell them."--Star Tribune (Minneapolis) "Gripping.... Scott paints a vivid and riveting picture of the experiences of these men... an exhilarating, fascinating story"--Library Journal "A stunning addition to the best-selling arctic exploration genre... a breathtaking adventure story."--Publishing News "One of the most gripping stories to emerge from the polar regions."--Daily Telegraph In 1930, fourteen young men with barely a shred of experience between them traveled to the Arctic and stayed there for a year. In that time, led by Gino Watkins, they charted the east coast of Greenland, discovered a mountain range, ate polar bears, and taught the Inuit people to dance the Charleston. But their journey was touched by extreme hardship and tragedy as well as success. One of the party, August Courtauld, was forced to spend the winter alone on the icecap. For six weeks he was trapped in his lightless cave, clinging to life and his sanity as his supplies dwindled and his companions mounted a desperate, last-ditch rescue attempt. Dancing on Ice is at once a classic adventure story, a compelling study of humanity stretched to its limits, and a vivid portrait of the last great age of exploration. Jeremy Scott is Gino Watkins' nephew and the son of J.M. Scott, who also took part in the exhibition.