Shackleton: By Endurance We Conquer - Hardcover

Smith, Prof. Michael

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1780745729 ISBN 13: 9781780745725

Publisher: Oneworld Publications, 2014

Synopsis

Title: Shackleton( By Endurance We Conquer) Binding: Hardcover Author: MichaelSmith Publisher: ONEWorldPublications

About this title

About the Author

Michael Smith is an author and journalist who specializes in the history of polar exploration. He has written books on polar history for both adult and youth audiences, lectured extensively, and contributed to a wide range of television and radio programs, newspapers, magazines, and websites. His first book, An Unsung Hero: Tom Crean Antarctic Survivor, was shortlisted for the Banff Mountain Book Festival 2002. He lives in Dublin, Ireland.

Review

"Smith, who previously wrote about overlooked Antarctic hero Tom Crean, makes a significant effort to discuss Shackleton’s personal and business relationships as well as his adventurous journeys. This look at his family, friends, and numerous well-known romantic entanglements both humanizes Shackleton and elevates his unusual achievements even further. He was a survivor who possessed near superhuman determination, and yet Smith makes it clear that he was also capable of the most common faults and failures. Through his use of reports, diaries, books, and the private papers of Shackleton’s contemporaries, both those who admired and those who reviled him, and, most importantly, the men who served at his side, Smith provides a well-rounded look at the renowned explorer. It is Smith’s writing style, however, that makes this biography such a page-turner and a wonderfully rich portrait of a twentieth-century icon. Shackleton has finally received the literary treatment his legendary life deserves." - Booklist

"[A] highly readable account.... Shackleton is admired for his leadership skills while his repeated off-ice failures are overlooked or unknown. Smith offers a fascinating assessment of his subject, one that will be enjoyed by readers of biographies, polar literature, and adventure stories. Library Journal

"[A] fascinating exploration of the man behind the myth.... Smith ranks Shackleton among the greatest explorers, yet he was held back by a lack of practicality, exemplified by his underestimation of the need for prowess in handling dogs and skis for ease of travel on ice. The author presents a lively account of the race to the South Pole, ultimately won by the Norwegian Roald Amundsen in 1911, and the bitter rivalry between Shackleton and his other British contender, Robert Scott.... An illuminating perspective of the man, his mission and the era in which he lived." Kirkus Reviews

"Smith's research is detailed and meticulous...fascinating...[He] tells [the story] with passion and commitment." - Spectator

"Diligently researched with extensive quotation...a welcome addition to the library of the polar aficianado." Literary Review

"Even-handed...fast-moving and gripping...Michael Smith's biography shows us a complex multi-faceted man." - Scottish Review of Books

Edition details

• Publisher: Oneworld Publications
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1780745729
• ISBN 13: 9781780745725
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 456