Description

Ernest Shackleton is one of history’s great explorers, a tenacious and charismatic personality who became a dominant figure in Antarctic discovery. His incredible adventures on four expeditions to the Antarctic have captivated generations. He was a restless adventurer from an Irish background with acclaimed leadership skills. But he was also a flawed character whose chaotic private life, marked by romantic affairs, unfulfilled ambitions and failed business ventures, 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 draws on extensive research of original diaries, letters and many other publications. It brings a fresh perspective to the heroic age of Polar exploration which was dominated by Shackleton’s complex, compelling and enduringly fascinating story.

Publisher Review

"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 *