This book details the Antarctic diaries kept by Cecil Thomas Madigan whilst a member of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition from 1911-1914. Madigan gives his account of the first year at the main base at Cape Denison; of the wondrous environment he found himself in, the living conditions and relationships formed, the care of the polar dogs, the hardships endured and the happy times enjoyed, and the preparations for the four main sledging journeys of exploration which were the principal reason for the expedition. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Madigan was required to stay in Antarctica for a second year, the account of which couldn’t be more different from the first.