Travel to Antarctica

Shackleton's Boat Journey

Format: Paperback
Author: Frank Arthur Worsley
ReleaseDate: August, 1998
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Rating:

Brrrrr!
I first learned about Shackleton in the 2000 documentary The Endurance (narrated by Liam Neeson and quite a fine film), and I found I wanted to know more. If you want to imagine cold -- real bone-numbing cold -- read Worsley's memoir of Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated voyage to the south polar regions during 1914-15. And what better account than one written by Shackleton's friend, and the captain of the Endurance, Frank Worsley?

The real surprise is just how good Worsley's writing is! Despite the harrowing ordeal, the adventure really comes through — what it is that would make Shackleton want to venture into the south polar regions in the first place. And the truly amazing thing is that Shackleton managed to save every single last man from that star-crossed journey. They may have had to live on rotten seal meat, but they all lived to tell the tale.

Worsley's praise of Shackleton is at times almost ridiculously hyperbolic, but I suppose we can forgive him that, under the circumstances. And his writing is lively and entertaining at every turn. A wonderful ocean adventure tale.

Great read
Worsley, who was part of the adventure, writes in the first person and keeps the reader on the hook. This is an outstanding little book. Of course, Shackleton's adventure is well known and well covered by authors. However, Worsley's being there and telling stories of the crew is unique. If you are into Polar adventures, this book is a must read.

Fascinating first hand account
I've read a great deal about Shackleton and seen videos, movies, DVDs and Hurley film. This book is well written. But this book provides detail where the second hand accounts do not. If you like sailing, you will especially love this book. The testament also highlights some areas of disagreement between Sir Ernst and Worsley, not of much import, but also not often discussed. Overall a required addition to any Expidetion library. But most of all, perhaps of the the greatest adventures ever told.

Related products:
click image or link for details on these Antarctica travel books.

	Endurance: An Epic of Polar Adventure
	South: The Last Antarctic Expedition of Shackleton and the Endurance
	Shackleton