Erebus: One Ship, Two Epic Voyages, and the Greatest Naval Mystery of All Time

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars | 5,898 ratings

Price: 19.11

Last update: 03-01-2025


About this item

“Beyond terrific. I didn’t want it to end.” (Bill Bryson)

Driven by a passion for travel and history and a love of ships and the sea, former Monty Python stalwart and beloved television globe-trotter Michael Palin explores the world of HMS Erebus, last seen on an ill-fated voyage to chart the Northwest Passage.

Michael Palin brings the fascinating story of the Erebus and its occupants to life, from its construction as a bomb vessel in 1826 through the flagship years of James Clark Ross’s Antarctic expedition and finally to Sir John Franklin’s quest for the holy grail of navigation - a route through the Northwest Passage, where the ship disappeared into the depths of the sea for more than 150 years. It was rediscovered under the arctic waters in 2014.

Palin travels across the world - from Tasmania to the Falkland Islands and the Canadian Arctic - to offer a firsthand account of the terrain and conditions that would have confronted the Erebus and her doomed final crew. Delving into the research, he describes the intertwined careers of the two men who shared the ship’s journeys: Ross, the organizational genius who mapped much of the Antarctic coastline and oversaw some of the earliest scientific experiments to be conducted there; and Franklin, who, at the age of 60 and after a checkered career, commanded the ship on its last disastrous venture. Expertly researched, Erebus is an evocative account of two journeys: one successful and forgotten, the other tragic yet unforgettable.


Top reviews from the United States

Elizabeth Newton
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reading
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2024
I truly enjoyed this book on the Franklin expedition. Mr. Palin (for me) is a keen observer and a very good storyteller. This is a little different approach to the Franklin story and I appreciated this rendering of the well known tragedy.
Dr. Gary
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling story of the ship and crew of The Erebus
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2021
Very well written and researched book by author (and former Monty Python member) Michael Palin.
It was a delight to read. Anyone interested in maritime history, wooden sailing vessels and, specifically, about the Franklin expedition that attempted to find the fabled Northwest Passage will enjoy this book.
Dominic E Etzold
4.0 out of 5 stars Well written, but not quite what I expected
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2023
I read almost exclusively history books and other non-fiction and, not surprisingly, most are quite dry. Despite already having a general knowledge of the expeditions covered in this book, I bought it (like the rest of you I'm sure) because of its author - Michael Palin. I figured his background would have made it more like a narrative (it was) and he would have injected a bit of personality into the writing. I wanted to find a more unique perspective and prose than the academic style I'm typically used to and was hoping to gain some insight into improving my own writing style. In this respect, I was extremely disappointed, but that's due to my preconceived expectations.

The book was well-written, but I felt if Palin wrote it under a pen name I wouldn't be any the wiser as to who its true author was. Aside from personal trips that he took to some of the places he was introducing in the book, there was nothing recognizable or extraordinary that would have made this book more appealing than the other historical works about the same subject. Indeed, I feel that the other books he cited are probably much better historical references.

You won't find endnotes in this book or any substantial primary sources, just secondary sources and articles. In other words, the meat that one looks for in a history book were lacking and the personality I was expecting to make up for its absence was non-existent. Yes it was neat hearing him talk about the Royal Geographical Society and some of the remote sites he visited, but anyone else of the same means could have done the same. Again, I think this is my fault for maybe expecting a little too much going into the book.

This all being said, it was an enjoyable, if not a little too quick, read. I have actually ordered his new book about his great uncle in hopes of finding more "Palin" injected into the prose. I hope that I'm not setting myself up for another disappointment.
Joebdox
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling and fascinating
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2024
Never knew Palin was an author, too. Lucid account of a little-known chapter in history. Picked up this book after watching the juked account, Terror, on Netflix.
That story is fun, with terrific British actors, including one of my favorites, Ciaran Hinds.
Eric
5.0 out of 5 stars The ships of arctic exploration in the 1800's
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2021
Very well written history by Michael Palin of the explorations of the Erebus and Terror sailing ships, first in the Antarctic and then trying to find the Northwest Passage in the Arctic in the 1800's. It is very much a history of these two almost identical ships, first exploring the Antartica together, then their trip to the Arctic to find the Northwest passage. This is such a fascinating history and deeply help my interest from start to finish. What an author, what a story. A must read for those interested in this famous tale.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Historically accurate, well researched, interesting book
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2020
This book holds your attention and it is hard to put down. Michael Palin has researched this book and yet made in very interesting; often feels as if you are reading a novel. I will read this book again. For anyone interested in British Naval history, or sunken ships, or exploration, this is for you. (Really for anyone who loves a good read!)
julie
4.0 out of 5 stars Great story - nonfiction telling that feels like a novel.
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2022
I was looking for true stories and also love Michael Palin, so this seemed like a great fit. His writing has evolved for the better since his first travel experience journal, and this recalling of true explorations in the 19th century is peppered with his own research and visits to the places central to the story, and this gives great added context. His voice is lovely as usual, and I was able to resist googling ‘what happened to Erebus’ and finish the story first, because the book tells it in such a compelling manner. Really enjoyed!
Tobygardener
5.0 out of 5 stars History that's very readable
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2019
This book is a real page turner, an exciting story and well told. The fact that the Canadian discovery of the Erebus is recent and ongoing, adds to the interest. The author Michael Palin does a great job in humanizing the characters. The illustrations and photographs are very interesting including the maps. I was constantly going back to the maps to track the voyages.

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