A new perspective on one of history’s great heroes, with access to Shackleton’s original diaries and personal correspondence, Michael Smith is able to present a fresh understanding of an explorer who endured so much to further our knowledge of the Antarctic.
Reviewed by Sue Baker Sue Baker has for many years been a regular non-fiction reviewer to the book trade and is one of Lovereading's founder book experts. More reviews by Sue Baker
About Shackleton By Endurance We Conquer
Ernest Shackleton is one of history's great explorers, an extraordinary character who pioneered the path to the South Pole over 100 years ago and became a dominant figure in Antarctic discovery. A charismatic personality, his incredible adventures on four expeditions have captivated generations and inspired a dynamic, modern following in business leadership. None more so than the Endurance mission, where Shackleton's commanding presence saved the lives of his crew when their ship was crushed by ice and they were turned out on to the savage frozen landscape.
Ernest Shackleton is one of history's great explorers, an extraordinary character who pioneered the path to the South Pole over 100 years ago and became a dominant figure in Antarctic discovery. A charismatic personality, his incredible adventures on four expeditions have captivated generations and inspired a dynamic, modern following in business leadership. None more so than the Endurance mission, where Shackleton's commanding presence saved the lives of his crew when their ship was crushed by ice and they were turned out on to the savage frozen landscape.
But Shackleton was a flawed character whose chaotic private life, marked by romantic affairs, unfulfilled ambitions, overwhelming debts and failed business ventures, contrasted with his celebrity status as a leading explorer. Drawing on extensive research of original diaries and personal correspondence, Michael Smith's definitive biography brings a fresh perspective to our understanding of this complex man and the heroic age of polar exploration.
'The epic struggles, heroics and unbelieveable hardships of the voyages are wonderfully told. Compulsive reading.'
-The Irish Times on An Unsung Hero
'A fascinating book - warm, complex, engaging - just like the man himself. This absorbing new biography strips away the myths and misconceptions to reveal one of the twentieth century's most important explorers in all his flawed genius.' -Mick Conefrey, author of Everest, 1953
'Perhaps the most riveting biography I've ever read.' -Orlando Sentinel on An Unsung Hero
'Fascinating' - Bookseller
Author
About Michael Smith
Michael Smith, a former journalist, is an established authority on polar exploration. He has written a number of books including An Unsung Hero: Tom Crean Antarctic Survivor, which was short-listed for the Banff Mountain Book Festival 2002. The illustrated version was shortlisted for the Irish Published Book of the Year 2007. He contributes to TV and radio documentaries and lectures on polar history.
Ernest Shackleton is one of history's great explorers, an extraordinary character who pioneered the path to the South Pole over 100 years ago and became a dominant figure in Antarctic discovery. A charismatic personality, his incredible adventures on four expeditions have captivated generations and inspired a dynamic, modern following in business leadership.
Shackleton By Endurance We Conquer features in the following genres: Biographies & Autobiographies, Books of the Month, Biography, Literature and Literary studies, Recommendations
Hardback. Not Available.
Shackleton By Endurance We Conquer was written by Michael Smith and published by Oneworld Publications
Shackleton By Endurance We Conquer has 456 pages
Join Our Community
Join our community for the latest bookish news, reading recommendations, exclusive opening extracts, author events and competitions. It\'s all free. And enter a monthly draw to win a £50 Gift Card. See past winners here