Bijela pustinja: Dvije godine u Antarktiku

An exciting and authentic travelogue that represents one of the best classic works of polar literature in the Croatian language. John Giaever, the leader of the Norwegian part of the expedition, vividly and in detail describes the life and work of an international scientific expedition on the icy continent over the course of two years (1949–1952).

The book conveys the dramatic reality of Antarctica – the endless white desert, extreme cold, isolation, dangers and everyday life in difficult conditions. The author describes the preparations for the expedition, the journey across the ocean, the construction of the base, scientific research, meteorological observations, encounters with polar animals and the psychological challenges of a long stay in complete isolation.

Giaever writes in a simple, masculine and picturesque style that transports the reader straight to the ice. The work exudes adventure, scientific enthusiasm and deep respect for the nature of the harshest continent on Earth. The descriptions of the polar night, blizzards, logistical problems and human solidarity in extreme conditions are particularly impressive.

This Croatian edition from 1956, with numerous photographs and illustrations on the boards, quickly became popular among Croatian readers who were passionate about travelogues and polar exploration. Today, it is a sought-after antiquarian rarity – both because of its subject matter and because it is one of the highest-quality translations of polar literature of that period.