Thank goodness Julian Sancton was killing time at his desk when he came across an article that merely mentioned the Belgica. His interest in the expedition and its charismatic leaders — larger-than-life Dr. Frederick Cook; would-be Viking explorer and first mate Roald Amundsen; and fame-seeking Belgian captain Adrien de Gerlache de Gomery — led to the writing of a historical account as thrilling as any fictional novel.  

Madhouse at the End of the Earth takes readers on a ride through the perilous politics (and fundraising hardships) of the day, as some of the world's last explorers set out on a race to discover the last remnants of the world. Balancing national pride, limited supplies, and an undisciplined crew, de Gerlache headed south to conquer Antarctica, only to fund out they were neither mentally nor physically prepared for the brutal challenges they would face. 

Although sometimes foolhardy in their decisions, readers can't help but cheer for the men of the Belgica to survive scurvy, starvation, emotional depression, and madness at the end of the world. Their true grit and resilience are infectious in making one long for a heroic age, one captured so eloquently by Sancton, who essentially walked in the Belgica's shoes (at least a little way). 

Perfect for anyone who enjoys a harrowing adventure grounded in truth, this book delivers precisely what it promises — a remarkable survival story studied by NASA to better understand the limits of human endurance. Upon finishing it, part of any reader will long to learn more about the men who made up the crew as so many of them continued to press forward and test the limits of their own near-legendary lives.