Overview

In 1922 a journalist commented on British tenacity to General Bruce, leader of the British Everest Expedition. Bruce replied with a single word: 'Shackleton'. Ernest Shackleton is one of history's great explorers, an extraordinary Edwardian character who pioneered the path to the South Pole and became a leading figure in Antarctic discovery. His incredible adventures on four expeditions to the Antarctic have captivated generations. A restless adventurer from an Irish background, he joined the Empire's last great endeavour of exploration - to reach the South Pole with Scott on the Discovery expedition. A clash with Scott led to Shackleton being ordered home and a bitter feud. Shackleton's riposte was the Nimrod expedition, which uncovered the route to the Pole, achieved the first fixing of the South Magnetic Pole, and honed the acclaimed leadership skills which kept despair at bay and encouraged men to overcome unimaginable hardship on the Endurance expedition. But Shackleton was a flawed character whose chaotic private life contrasted with celebrity status as the leading explorer. Persistent money problems left his men unpaid and his family with debts.This first comprehensive biography in a generation brings a fresh perspective to the heroic age of Polar exploration dominated by Shackleton's complex, compelling and enduringly fascinating story.

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9781848891760

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Reviews

It is a classic story, and Smith tells it with passion and commitment. The Spectator Fascinating assessment. Library Journal Fascinating exploration of the man behind the myth. Kirkus Reviews Landmark new biography treatment [ - ] impressively researched tome. Backpacker Magazine

Rich volume, written in a passionate, engaging style that makes it a compelling read. The Irish Times There are so many instances of derring-do on his four expeditions to the Antarctic that it's hard to comprehend how he achieved all he did without any of the technological support we now take for granted. And all on a diet of penguin, biscuits and fish. Irish Independent The book, written in a brisk, unfussy style, captures the duality of the man and is propelled by his burning sense of adventure. Irish Examiner Included in The Best Biographies of 2014. The Guardian Calm, even-handed appraisal. Scottish Review of Books Fascinating. The Bookseller As a buccaneering Edwardian adventurer, as hapless in his private life as he was dynamic in his public exploits, he is rescued by Smith's genial study as a flawed, enduring inspiration. The Times Mr Smith brings his own considerable scholarship in the field to the story. Wall Street Journal Free-flowing writing style and below-decks perspective make the book an easy and enjoyable read. Irish Mountain Log Perfect to peruse at the fireside, Smith's mammoth work will prove fascinating to even the most earthbound home bird. Belfast Newsletter It is a classic story, and Smith tells it with passion and commitment. The Spectator Fascinating assessment. Library Journal Fascinating exploration of the man behind the myth. Kirkus Reviews Landmark new biography treatment [ - ] impressively researched tome. Backpacker Magazine 'Polar explorer Shackleton has finally received the literary treatment his legendary life deserves.' Booklist

It is a classic story, and Smith tells it with passion and commitment. The Spectator Fascinating assessment. Library Journal Fascinating exploration of the man behind the myth. Kirkus Reviews Landmark new biography treatment [ - ] impressively researched tome. Backpacker Magazine 'Perfect to peruse at the fireside, while the explorer tackles the icy wastelands, Smith's mammoth work will prove fascinating to even the most earthbound home bird.' Belfast Newsletter

Author Information

Michael Smith is a best-selling author and authority on Polar exploration He has written eight books, including An Unsung Hero (2000). He has appeared in numerous TV/radio documentaries and lectured extensively at venues such as Buckingham Palace, Royal Geographical Society and National Museum of Ireland. Before becoming a full-time writer Michael was a business and political journalist with The Guardian and The Observer. He lives in East Sussex.

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