Shackleton: The Biography

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars | 1,278 ratings

Price: 15.66

Last update: 10-14-2024


About this item

An enthralling new biography of Ernest Shackleton by the world's greatest living explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

To write about hell, it helps if you have been there.

In 1915, Sir Ernest Shackleton's attempt to traverse the Antarctic was cut short when his ship, Endurance, became trapped in ice.

The disaster left Shackleton and his men alone at the frozen South Pole, fighting for their lives. Their survival and escape is the most famous adventure in history.

Shackleton is a captivating new account of the adventurer, his life, and his incredible leadership under the most extreme of circumstances. Written by polar adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who followed in Shackleton's footsteps, he brings his own unique insights to bear on these infamous expeditions. Shackleton is both reappraisal and a valediction, separating Shackleton from the myth he has become.


Top reviews from the United States

Douglas M.
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Nicely Written
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2023
I have read several books concerning Shackleton and his expeditions. He is a facinating individual. With this book, you have an author you has also experienced the southern regions and knows the hardships that it entails. Gives more insight into what Shackleton had to deal with. A wonderful book.
David Robinson
5.0 out of 5 stars An even handed biography that gets away from the myth
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2023
After the publication of Caroline Alexander's hagiographic 1998 The Endurance, covering the dramatic survival and rescue of Shackleton's 1914 Antarctic Expedition, there was a one-sided view of Shackleton as a hero of mythic status. When Fiennes's book was announced it was hard to imagine what insights could be gained from revisiting this life.

It turns out that there is a lot to learn. Fiennes covers the whole life over several expeditions and innumerable get rich quick schemes, none of which panned out. We learn that Shackleton, no matter what his leadership qualities, had some remarkable flaws.

While he professed to be a devoted family man, he not only was absent more often than not, and he indulged in multiple affairs with few qualms. Moreover, his relationship with money was downright pathological: He ran up debts which he ignored, borrowed money and diverted it, failed to pay people as promised, and, worst of all, when going on speaking tours to retire expedition expenses, he would frequently give away the proceeds to local charities while his debts and obligations to his family went unpaid.

Fiennes poses the question as to whether Shackleton was an explorer or an adventurer -- a distinction that can be thoughtfully considered while reading the excellent, well-written book.
Joakim Achren
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a great book. Reminds me of David McCullough style biography.
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2021
This was the best book I've read in 2021, hands down. The life of Shackleton, with all the adventures, life back home, his motivations to go further, are all extremely well covered and revealed in this book.

You won't be sorry for picking up this book. I read both the Kindle + Audiobook at the same time, the narrator is brilliant by the way!
Doug McMasters
5.0 out of 5 stars A Doubly Fine Book
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2022
Fiennes gives us a fine read due to his knowledge and experience, as well as his wide research and careful analysis.
PK
5.0 out of 5 stars Do not judge a book by its cover
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2023
So it turns out that this book is not at all what you would think the title implies. I will continue to search for an 1800s era book on English bond age.
Maureen Chamberlain
5.0 out of 5 stars An Adventure
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2022
Have read several books on early explorations and this book not only describes the exploration details but also the leadership qualities of Shackleton. Am not crazy about the author adding his personal experiences to the story but it does add a different way to tell a story. Sometimes, I feel like I am on the ship or the ice.
Several aspects intrigue me, e.g., the clothing they wore and why, the photos, etc.
John Bliss
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read in the early times of adventure and discovery. One man's quest.
Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2022
Character portrayal with latter day comparisons. Very well written and absorbing.
bedwards
3.0 out of 5 stars Author too often refers to self
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2022
Author Ranulph too often writes about HIS OWN experiences, which greatly distracts from the story that is meant to be about Shackleton's (like a stage actor stepping out of character). If the intent is to enrich the descriptions of Shackleton's adventure, the result is just the opposite.

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