Narrative Non-fiction · Paperback

Roald Amundsen

Tor Bomann-Larsen

”Exploits in the polar regions must be judged in the light of the subject’s former life.” Roald Amundsen wrote in his memoirs.

Roald Amundsen (1872-1928) became one of Norway’s greatest national heroes. He sought out the earth’s best-kept secrets, but as he opened up undiscovered areas of the globe, he shielded his own life from outside scrutiny. Innumerable maps can show us where the polar explorer went. But what of the other outstanding and unanswered question about him: who was Roald Amundsen? No one knows the character of an island or a continent before he goes ashore. In this wide ranging and imaginative biography, Tor Bomann-Larsen retrieves, out of the mists of oblivion and the obscurity of myth, the legendary but hitherto undiscovered land of Roald Amundsen. Tor Bomann-Larsen’s biography of the celebrated Roald Amundsen throws new light on the man, in part by building on several previously unused and largely unknown sources.

Tor Bomann-Larsen’s book will remain standing as great biographical art. I can rarely remember having read a biography in which the human enigma itself to such an extent is being thrown into relief.Erik Fosnes Hansen, Nordisk litteratur

This Amundsen biography by Tor Bomann-Larsen has little in common with previous arctic books. In fact, it makes nearly all previous variants look withered and pathetic.Dagbladet

It is OUTSTANDING. What more can I say?Roland Huntford, Cambridge

Relentless, nicely illustrated and extremely elegant: a myth is brought back into historical reality.Der Spiegel

A great read!Süddeutsche Zeitung

Thrilling until the last page.Brigitte

Amundsen is simply one of the best biographies ever.Deutschlandradio