Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #513645 in Books
• Published on: 1998-11-11
• Binding: Hardcover
• 160 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Melding superb research and the extraordinary expedition photography of Frank Hurley, Endurance, by Caroline Alexander is a stunning work of history, adventure, and art that chronicles "one of the greatest epics of survival in the annals of exploration." Setting sail as World War I broke out in Europe, the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, led by renowned polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, hoped to become the first to cross the Antarctic continent. But their ship, Endurance, was trapped in the drifting pack ice, eventually splintering and leaving the expedition stranded on floes--a situation that seemed "not merely desperate but impossible."

Most skillfully Alexander constructs the expedition's character through its personalities--the cast of veteran explorers, scientists, and crew--with aid from many previously unavailable journals and documents. We learn, for instance, that carpenter and shipwright Henry McNish, or "Chippy," was "neither sweet-tempered nor tolerant," and that Mrs. Chippy, his cat, was "full of character." Such firsthand descriptions, paired with 170 of Frank Hurley's intimate photographs (comprehensively assembled here for the first time), penetrate the hulls of the Endurance and these tough men, revealing the seldom-seen domestic world of expedition life--the singsongs, feasts, lectures, and camaraderie--so that when the hardships set in, we know these people beyond the stereotypical guise of mere explorers and long for their safety.

Alexander reveals Shackleton to be an inspiring optimist: "A leader who put his men first." Throughout the gruelling ordeal, Shackleton and his men show what endurance and greatness are all about. Endurance is an intimate portrait of an expedition and of survival. Readers will possess a newfound respect for these daring souls and know better their unthinkable toil and half-forgotten realm of glory. --Byron Ricks, Amazon.com

Synopsis
The story of the expedition across Antarctica led by Ernest Shackleton, illustrated by the photographs taken by Frank Hurley. The text covers the crushing of their ship "Endurance" by ice, their two-year struggle to stay alive and their eventual rescue.

Customer Reviews

Emotionally gripping real life saga superbly written with a one of a kind photo record
From start to finish, this story is superbly written and illustrated with photographs the like of which can never be repeated. Having spent 2-1/2 years sailing on the Brigantine YANKEE - a true "Tall Ship" including sailing around the world and through a hurricane off Africa, I can relate to the hardships with which Shackleton and his men were faced and overcame. Shackleton was indeed astute and extremely sensitive to the varying personalities and physical and emotional needs of his men. However, the really wrenching part of the story concerns the unbelieveable and almost herculean voyage he and 5 of his men made in a 22-1/2 foot boat 800 miles in 17 days in sub freezing temperatures and then to cross South Georgia Island when they were almost beyond the limits of their endurance. Their hardships brought tears to my eyes realizing the courage and resourcefulness they brought to bear. It is a book that any serious reader, sailor or adventurer can not put down.

An Incredible Photographic Account!
In the quest to cross the Antartic Continent in 1914, brave-hearted soul Captain Ernest Shackleton and his twenty-seven man crew set sail on a perilous, nearly deadly journey. Less than 100 miles from their destination the "Endurance" became hopelessly trapped in an ice floe; slowing breaking apart. Their ordeal of living on this drifting berg for months, only to be stranded on a solid piece of land later for nearly two years is mind-boggling.

The personal accounts of the crew members daily treacherous turmoils, coupled with an undefeatable and inspired leader (Shackleford) is devastating. Photographer Frank Hurley supplied some of the most breathtaking and dynamic pictures of the saga of the trip, one can only become overwhelmed with the enormity of the dilema. It is simply too real and too heartbreaking.

This beautfully crafted "coffee table" book is one of many released regarding the extraordinary plight of this team against nature. Although author Caroline Alexander borrows heavily from previous accounts and repeats some of the adventures from her earlier "Mrs. Chippy's Last Expediton", "Endurance" is the classic adventure tale of the last Century.

A wonderful coolaboration of writer/photographer, this makes a great gift. A 'beyond Hollywood' story that many have never heard, much less seen in this manner makes it extraordinary!

Gripping, held my interest from cover to cover
I lead an extremely busy life and am not easily impressed by the reading of time-consuming books. This one held my attention and gave me an armchair adventure to savour - almost beyond belief that it is all true ... very well authrenticated by the carefully selected quotes from original diaries. Caroline Alexander takes great care to bring the characters to life as the tale unfolds. The Frank Hurley pictures are an enormous bonus. I note that there are many books on this subject but I don't feel tempted to read others; Caroline did such a complete job.