Scott of the Antarctic

Available for over a year

Novelist Beryl Bainbridge proposes the explorer Robert Falcon Scott, less for his glorious failures in Antarctica, and more for his hidden romantic side. "His eyes were known to turn from blue to purple when he was amorous," she says. Providing the cooler expert advice is Bob Headland, archivist of the Scott Polar Institute. Humphrey Carpenter presents the biographical series in which a distinguished guest chooses someone who's inspired their life. Will their hero stand up to intensive scrutiny and merit the description of having led a great life? Producer Miles Warde First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2003.