It’s a compelling premise: three men on the search for a scientific discovery in the Antarctic at the turn of the century. What makes it even better: it’s a true story.

After quitting his day job and working on his first book for many years, Richard Farr’s “Emperors of the Ice: A True Story of Disaster and Survival in the Antarctic, 1910-13” was recently published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

The Seattle writer is coming to Lopez Middle School on Friday, Nov. 21 at 11:40-1:05 to speak about his book, which tells the tale of three men who nearly died, many times, while searching for a key to bird evolution – Emperor penguin eggs – in the darkness of a 1911 Antarctic winter. Although the men experienced tremendous hardships like frostbite, snow blindness, and starvation, they kept their sense of humor and spirits high. Farr says their story “will be of special interest to anyone who enjoys science, true adventure, history, nature, or falling down crevasses in the dark during a blizzard.” The community is invited to attend the presentation as well. If interested, call middle school teacher Colleen Currie, 468-2202, ext. 2208, who is organizing Farr’s visit.

Farr describes his book as blurring the line between adult and young adult non-fiction. “It is intended for readers in the 12-112 age range.”

“I wrote this book because the story it tells is breathtaking, and moving, and deserves to be known by everyone,” commented Farr.

Originally from England, Farr has worked as a college philosophy professor, a journalist, a voiceover talent, a corporate trainer and speechwriter, a copywriter, a stay-at-home Dad, a farmhand, and a gas station attendant.

Lopez resident and director of Community Shakespeare Company Richard Carter first became aware of Farr in 1997, when he reviewed Carter’s play, “Blood and Iron,” for the Seattle Times.

“It was the most glowing review I have ever received or could ever hope to receive. Interestingly, I didn’t meet him for a decade. He came kayaking in the San Juans and Susan Wilson (a good friend of Carter’s) was his guide.” After emailing each other for a while, Carter finally got together with Farr, right around the time his book was to be published.

“I thought there was an educational opportunity for Lopez students to meet the author of this fascinating account of an historical event,” said Carter.

“Emporers” has received rave reviews since it was published. It has been called thrilling, compelling, and unforgettable.

For more information, visit www.richardfarr.net.