Product Description

A biography of Sir Ernest Shackleton, the daring, charismatic Antarctic explorer who fell short of his goal of crossing Antarctica, but accomplished a far greater feat by bringing every member of his crew back alive.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #490112 in Books
• Published on: 2003-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 112 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8-An excellent account of the life and accomplishments of the dedicated explorer. Born to a middle-class Irish family, Shackleton knew early on that he could not settle for an everyday job and an ordinary life. He became involved in expeditions to Antarctica and in the rivalry of the day to reach the Pole. Fortunately, he understood the value of documentation and some of the amazing archival photographs from his expeditions are included here along with clear and useful maps. There are several good books about Shackleton's famous voyage, including Elizabeth Cody Kimmel's Ice Story (Clarion, 1999), Jennifer Armstrong's Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World (Crown, 1998), and Michael McCurdy's Trapped by the Ice! (Walker, 1997). Johnson presents a full biography that gives insight into the man and his time. The voyage on the Endurance is introduced about halfway through the book. The writing is lively and clear and the story is compelling. A useful title for reports and recreational reading.
Marlene Gawron, formerly at Orange County Library, Orlando, FL
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 6-10. This solid addition to the Trailblazer Biography series will partner nicely with Jennifer Armstrong's excellent Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World (1998), which keeps its focus solidly on the famous Endurance expedition. In contrast, Johnson offers plenty of biographical information about Shackleton himself, and readers will enjoy photos and anecdotes that reveal the gawky, energetic teenager before he became the famous explorer. Johnson also details Shackleton's several expeditions, shown in clearly drawn maps, and closes the book with an overview of Antarctica. The author, who has been to Antarctica several times, describes the frozen landscape and the thrilling rescue in vivid language. Shackleton's thoughts and feelings, however, are often presented without documentation: only direct quotes are sourced. Nonetheless, this offers a broad, exciting view of the legend and his crew; young adults may also want to browse through the rich text and illustrations in George Plimpton's recent adult title Ernest Shackleton [BKL My 15 03]. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Customer Reviews

Adventurers must read
The writer Rebecca J. Johnson, says that she became fascinated with Sir. Ernest Shackleton`s life and expeditions after her first trip to Antarctica. That is where she visited the hut at the Cape Royds and where Shackleton and the men of the Nimrod Expedition spent the winter of 1908. Someday, Johnson hopes to travel to the Suoth Seorgia island, where Sir. Ernest Shackleton was buried. The actual photographs of Shachleton and his expedetion , the reproduction painting of each adveture and challenge they faced draw the reader into the tale. Most of the people, especially students, will be fascinated with the work of Ernest Shackleton and his men, his plans of sailing and his respect to for men . The fate of their sled dogs was heart breaking to Shackelton as it was to his men, but the remarkable heroism and presevering of Shackleton and the crew is an inspration to the adventure in all of us, and so I encourage every one to read this book. It`s also an inspiring biography that explores Shackleton`s single-minded determination and bravery, from his childhood dreams of far-off places through his death at the young age of forty-seven. His bravery earned him the respect of his fellow explorers and a place of honor in history. His effort of his work of exproling the south pole is now one of our remembered and honored tales of suvaival. This book was published by Carolrhoda Books Inc. I also recommend "Shipwreck at the bottom of he world " by Jennifer Armstrong.