Born Adventurer: The Life of Frank Bickerton Antarctic Pioneer

During the 'Heroic Age of Polar exploration, Frank Bickerton was a key figure who made significant contributions to Antarctic exploration, established a wireless link, and discovered meteorites. He also had a diverse career as a treasure hunter, explorer, fighter pilot, entrepreneur, and movie-maker. Historian Stephen Haddelsey's book, "Born Adventurer," provides a thrilling account of Bickerton's life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

During the 'Heroic Age of Polar exploration,' a remarkable gathering of soldiers, sailors, geographers, geologists, submariners, and balloonists flocked to the frozen landscapes of Antarctica. Among this diverse group, Frank Bickerton stood out as a true pioneer of Antarctic exploration. Hailing from Australia, Bickerton served as an engineer on the Douglas Mawsons Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) from 1911 to 1914. His remarkable journey included the piloting of the expedition's air-tractor, the establishment of the first vital wireless link between Antarctica and the rest of the world, and the discovery of one of the earliest meteorites ever found on the continent.

Bickerton's diverse talents extended beyond exploration. He was a treasure-hunter, explorer, fighter pilot, entrepreneur, big-game hunter, and movie-maker. His contributions to the AAE were significant, and he later found himself recruited by the legendary Ernest Shackleton for his ill-fated Endurance Expedition. Bickerton's adventures continued as he dug for pirate gold on Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island and survived bloody dogfights over the Western Front during the First World War. He even flirted with the glamorous world of 1920s Hollywood.

In his captivating book, Born Adventurer, historian Stephen Haddelsey delves into the rich and colorful life of Frank Bickerton, drawing on unique access to family papers, journals, and letters. Through vivid storytelling, Haddelsey paints a vivid portrait of a man who lived life to the fullest, embracing every opportunity for adventure and exploration. Bickerton's legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the indomitable spirit of those who ventured into the unknown and left an enduring mark on the history of polar exploration.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803992792
Edition number: New ed