Spirit of discovery that links frozen wastes of Antarctica and the West.

(From Western Morning News)

Byline: Martin Freeman

There are few contrasts on Earth greater than that between Devon's green and gently rolling hills, its temperate and sheltered waterways, and the frozen expanse of Antarctica surrounded by the wildest seas on the planet.

The two are connected, though, through man's spirit of discovery.

Most people are aware of the link between Plymouth and the bleak southern continent. The city was home to Captain Robert Falcon Scott, who lost his life 99 years ago this week on a tragic march back across Antarctica from the South Pole.

The connections go far beyond Scott of the Antarctic, as revealed in a new book by a man fascinated with the heroic age of discovery in the early years of the 20th century.

From South Devon To The South Pole, by Paul Davies, tells of Scott's two great expeditions and three by Ernest Shackleton, the other leading UK-based Polar explorer of the era. All five had many crew and scientists from across the county.

The book continues Paul's mission to keep memories alive and a fresh generation engaged with some of the most astonishing feats of endurance in the history of human discovery.

The former history teacher, who lives in Kingsbridge, South Hams, is secretary of the …