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Review: The Greatest Polar Survival Story Ever Written

Thomas Pynchon

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Published in Mawson S Will: The Greatest Polar Survival Story Ever Written

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Ernest Shackleton's expedition to the Antarctic in 1914-1917 is one of the most incredible stories of survival in human history. His ship, the Endurance, became trapped in pack ice and was eventually crushed, forcing Shackleton and his crew to abandon ship. They then embarked on an epic journey across the treacherous ice floes and open water to reach safety. Their story is told in Shackleton's book, South, which has been hailed as "the greatest polar survival story ever written".

South is a gripping account of Shackleton's expedition, from the moment the Endurance became trapped in the ice to the crew's eventual rescue. Shackleton's writing is vivid and engaging, and he brings the reader along on every step of their incredible journey. He describes the challenges they faced, the hardships they endured, and the courage and determination that kept them going.

Mawson's Will: The Greatest Polar Survival Story Ever Written

by Lennard Bickel

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	910 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	276 pages

One of the most striking things about South is Shackleton's leadership. He was a born leader, and his men trusted him implicitly. He was able to inspire them to keep going even when all hope seemed lost. He was also a master of survival, and he knew how to keep his men alive in the harsh Antarctic environment.

South is a classic work of adventure and survival. It is a story of courage, determination, and leadership. It is a story that will inspire anyone who reads it.

The Endurance Expedition

Shackleton's Endurance expedition was one of the most ambitious polar expeditions ever undertaken. The goal of the expedition was to cross the Antarctic continent from sea to sea. Shackleton and his crew set out from England in August 1914. They sailed to South Georgia and then to the Weddell Sea, where they entered the pack ice.

The Endurance became trapped in the ice in January 1915. The crew spent the next 10 months drifting with the ice pack, hoping that they would eventually be released. However, the ice pack continued to drift south, and it became clear that the Endurance would not be able to break free. In October 1915, the ship was crushed by the ice and sank.

Shackleton and his crew were now stranded on the ice. They had no supplies, no shelter, and no way to communicate with the outside world. They faced a long and dangerous journey across the ice floes and open water to reach safety.

The Journey across the Ice

Shackleton and his crew began their journey across the ice in April 1916. They traveled in small groups, each led by a different member of the crew. They faced many challenges along the way, including crevasses, icebergs, and storms. They also had to contend with hunger, cold, and exhaustion.

After a month of travel, they reached Elephant Island, a small island in the South Atlantic Ocean. They stayed on Elephant Island for several months, waiting for a rescue ship. Finally, in August 1916, they were rescued by a Chilean ship.

The Legacy of the Endurance Expedition

The Endurance expedition was a disaster in terms of its original goal of crossing the Antarctic continent. However, it has become one of the most famous polar expeditions in history. Shackleton's leadership and the crew's courage and determination have inspired generations of explorers and adventurers.

South is a classic work of adventure and survival. It is a story that will inspire anyone who reads it.

About the Author

Ernest Shackleton was born in Ireland in 1874. He was a polar explorer who led several expeditions to the Antarctic. His most famous expedition was the Endurance expedition, which is the subject of his book South.

Shackleton died in 1922 while on an expedition to the Antarctic. He is buried in South Georgia, where his grave is a popular tourist destination.

South is a gripping account of Shackleton's Endurance expedition. It is a story of courage, determination, and leadership. It is a story that will inspire anyone who reads it.

If you are interested in polar exploration, adventure, or survival, then I highly recommend reading South. It is a classic work of literature that will stay with you long after you finish it.