Roland Huntford

Roland Huntford, the acclaimed British polar historian and biographer whose incisive works reshaped understanding of Antarctic exploration, passed away on January 23, 2026, at the age of 98, following a brief illness. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Huntford became renowned for his meticulously researched and often controversial accounts of figures like Robert Falcon Scott, Roald Amundsen, Ernest Shackleton, and Fridtjof Nansen. His passing marks the end of an era for polar scholarship, leaving behind a legacy of challenging established narratives and bringing new perspectives to historical events.

Huntford's early life saw him pursue diverse interests, including a brief study of physics at Imperial College London and a period immersed in Italian literature in Florence. He later served with the United Nations in Geneva before embarking on a distinguished career in journalism. For 15 years, he served as the Scandinavian correspondent for The Observer, a role that deepened his affinity for Nordic culture and language, which would profoundly influence his later historical work.

His seminal work, "Scott and Amundsen," published in 1979 and later retitled "The Last Place on Earth," ignited considerable debate by presenting a critical re-evaluation of Captain Scott's leadership and a more favorable portrayal of Roald Amundsen's methodical approach to polar conquest. This book, which became an international bestseller and was adapted into a television series, exemplified Huntford's commitment to challenging conventional heroism with rigorous historical analysis. He continued this tradition with acclaimed biographies of Ernest Shackleton and Fridtjof Nansen, solidifying his reputation as a leading authority on polar history.

Beyond his polar narratives, Huntford also explored the cultural history of skiing in "Two Planks and a Passion," demonstrating his broad intellectual curiosity. His work was characterized by a deep engagement with original sources, including Norwegian archives, which allowed him to offer fresh insights into well-trodden historical paths. His contributions earned him recognition, including a fellowship at St Antony's College, Oxford.

Roland Huntford's biographical approach, though sometimes contentious, consistently pushed the boundaries of historical interpretation, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of the human endeavors and complexities inherent in the heroic age of polar exploration. He is survived by his two sons, having been predeceased by his wife, Anita, in December 2025. His profound influence on polar history will continue to be felt by scholars and enthusiasts alike.