Charles Ferrall South by South: New Zealand and the heroic age of Antarctic exploration

11 June 2026 - 11 June 2026

Region(s): Wellington, Nationwide

Type(s): presentations

In this free talk, join Charles Ferrall as he talks about his most recent book, South by South: New Zealand and the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, which draws on the Library’s Joseph Kinsey collection.

Come along to the Turnbull Library or join online for a New Zealand perspective on early Antarctic expeditions

At this Friends of the Turnbull Library event enjoy the opportunity to learn about the pivotal role New Zealanders played in early 20th-century voyages to Antarctica.

In his book, South by South: New Zealand and the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, Charles Ferrall tells the thrilling story of New Zealand’s key role in ‘the heroic age’ of Antarctic exploration.

In his research for the book, Charles explored a collection held in the Alexander Turnbull Library that was donated by Sir Joseph James Kinsey. Sir Joseph was a Christchurch businessman, collector, noted Antarctic enthusiast and New Zealand agent for the Antarctic expeditions of Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton and Captain Robert Falcon Scott.

About the speaker

Charles Ferrall is an Associate Professor in the English Programme, Victoria University of Wellington. His previous books have been about Anglo-American Modernism, Victorian and Edwardian ‘juvenile’ fiction, the Chinese in New Zealand, Henry Lawson in New Zealand, and New Zealand and the First World War.

Location: Taiwhanga Kauhau – Auditorium National Library Wellington, 70 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington

For more information: https://turnbullfriends.org.nz/event/charles-ferrall-south-by-south-new-zealand-and-the-heroic-age-of-antarctic-exploration.