Review
Book Description
From the Inside Flap
We all have childhood heroes. But rarely do they inspire adventure on the grandest scale.
In 1908, the legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton led a group of three men on a daring and death-defying attempt to become the first men to reach the South Pole. A mere ninety-seven miles from their goal but in the face of the harshest weather conditions, near-starvation and certain death if they continued, Shackleton and his men turned back to safety. Their exploits have never been forgotten.
Exactly one hundred years later, a team of three men led by Henry Worsley decided to retrace the 870-mile route that Shackleton and his men had taken and to go on to finish the journey to the Pole. Inspired by Shackleton's spirit, courage and peerless leadership, Worsley walks in his hero's footsteps and comes to truly understand the limits of human endeavour. From the stark contrasts between the two expeditions - medical supplies, modes of travel and communication - to the emotions and challenges that both teams share - raising funds and planning, maintaining morale and the extreme physical demands - this captivating book parallels the history of the original expedition with the grit and determination of Worsley's own journey.
In Shackleton's Footsteps is a thrilling combination of historical and contemporary adventure and recounts the most ambitious of centenary celebrations.
From the Back Cover
'Men go out into the void spaces of the world for various reasons. Some are actuated simply by a love of adventure, some have the keen thirst for scientific knowledge, and others are drawn away from the trodden paths by the "lure of little voices," the mysterious fascination of the unknown.'
Ernest Shackleton, Heart of the Antarctic
'Deep within me I had an eagerness and ambition to one day get to the polar regions. I didn't know when it would be but I was beginning to learn in life that if your heart lifts at the thought of fulfilling a dream then all that stands in your way is to take the first step and enter the arena. As long as my passion for Shackleton and the Antarctic burned with bright flames, I truly believed that one day I would get there.'
Henry Worsley
About the Author
Henry Worsley is descended from Frank Worsley, the skipper on Shackleton's ship The Endurance. He is a Lieutenant Colonel with The Rifles in the British Army. In 2007 he helped set up The Shackleton Foundation which aims to support people who embody the leadership style and spirit of Ernest Shackleton.
www.shackletonfoundation.org
www.shackletoncentenary.org
