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.

About the Author

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.

Reviews

"Rich volume, written in a passionate, engaging style that makes it a compelling read."

* The Irish Times *

"Perfect to peruse at the fireside, Smith's mammoth work will prove fascinating to even the most earthbound home bird."

* Belfast Newsletter *

"Free-flowing writing style and below-decks perspective make the book an easy and enjoyable read."

* Irish Mountain Log *

"Mr Smith brings his own considerable scholarship in the field to the story."

* Wall Street Journal *

"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 *

"Fascinating."

* The Bookseller *

"Calm, even-handed appraisal."

* Scottish Review of Books *

"Included in The Best Biographies of 2014."

* The Guardian *

"It is a classic story, and Smith tells it with passion and commitment."

* The Spectator *

"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 *

"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 *

'Polar explorer Shackleton has finally received the literary treatment his legendary life deserves.'

* Booklist *

"Landmark new biography treatment [ - ] impressively researched tome."

* Backpacker Magazine *

"Fascinating exploration of the man behind the myth."

* Kirkus Reviews *

"Fascinating assessment."

* Library Journal *



Book Information
ISBN 9781848892446
Author Michael Smith
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint The Collins Press
Publisher Gill
Weight(grams) 544g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 18mm