The fabled figure of Sir Ernest Shackleton truly personifies the heroic age of Antarctic exploration. But, while the story of his ill-fated 1914-18 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition and his crew's narrow escape from death is legendary, less well known is the staggering tale of the six members of the Mount Hope Party who risked their lives to ensure the safety of his. Sent to the opposite side of the polar continent to lay life-saving food deposits for his journey, theirs was a vital mission: without it, Shackleton was destined for failure. Here, Wilson McOrist stitches together diary accounts to trace the tribulations of these men, painting a chilling picture of the everyday hardships of life on the ice, alongside the camaraderie and emotional strength necessary for survival. Bound by duty to Shackleton, the polar adventurers struggled on through Antarctica, convinced they were critical to his success. This is their remarkable story.

About the Author
Wilson McOrist is a qualified physicist, lawyer and entrepreneur. His eight years of research for this book were conducted in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica and involved detailed analysis of the actual field diaries of the central characters. He lives in Australia.

Reviews
"A profoundly gripping tale of determination, dedication and loss." Adventure Travel "A gripping tale with the most tragic of endings... The diaries of the Mount Hope Party are an Antarctic literary treasure." Sir Ranulph Fiennes "McOrist tells the harrowing story of the six members of the support party in their own words, using their original diaries to give a haunting account of the courage and determination of Mackintosh's men." The Daily Mail



Book Information
ISBN 9781785904868
Author Wilson McOrist
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Biteback Publishing
Publisher Biteback Publishing