“The enormous research effort represented in this book will be appreciated by any reader with a deep interest in the history of polar exploration. Tahan narrates the sometimes forgotten story of the voiceless actors— the sled dogs—that made the Antarctic exploration of the Heroic Age possible. The dogs withstood rough sailings, very heavy work pulling sledges under extremely harsh conditions, use as marketing and tourism tools, public exhibition and quarantines.” (Javier Menéndez-Blázquez, Polar Research, Vol. 41, April, 2022)“Mary R. Tahan’s books on polar expedition . . . are a welcomed addition to historical exploration scholarship and the animal studies field. . . . Tahan’s books focus on the interactions and intersectionality between people and nonhuman animals and how this connection spurred humankind forward in its survey of the South Pole. In a unique approach, Tahan’s research and materials center on the animals . . . By adding this aspect of the canines, she gives recognition to the significant role that animals played in this important part of history as well as the indispensable human–animal relationship needed for the Antarctic exploration. . . . In recent years . . . academics have increasingly argued that the inclusion of other voices such as women, native peoples, immigrants, and individuals of varied social class enhances historical accounts. Tahan’s books seek to take this one step further and argue that the inclusions of nonhuman animals as agents will most certainly enrich historical data. The author certainly hits this mark, and these should be recommended books for anyone with an interest in nonhuman animals, exploration, or history. (Nicholas Miller, Terrae Incognitae, March 23, 2022)
