Heart of the Antarctic, Being the Story of the British Antarctic Expedition, 1907-1909 (Hardcover)

by Ernest Henry, Sir Shackleton (Author) "MEN go out into the void spaces of the world for various reasons..." (more)
Key Phrases: Hut Point, Cape Royds, New Zealand (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Shackleton here tells the quite remarkable story of the British Antarctic expedition of 1907 to 1909. Shackleton and his men made it to within 97 miles of the South Pole, experiencing along the way every hardship possible, then returning to their wooden ship before the ice crushed it. The text is buttressed with many original monochrome photos. Just reading this will make your toes fall off.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Review
"A more interesting book of polar exploration . . . has yet to be written." -- New York Times Book Review

"The book will takes its place among the great records of adventure . . . Shackleton has just the right combination of scientific interests and love of reckless adventure . . ." -- Spectator --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Greenwood Pub Group (June 1968)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0837138655
• ISBN-13: 978-0837138657
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,054,582 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shackleton's furthest south, October 5, 2000

By	Robin (Switzerland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Heart of the Antarctic: Being the Story of the British Antarctic Expedition, 1907-1909 (Paperback)

For me the highlight of this book is the extract from Shackleton's diary describing the 'furthest south' journey in which Shackleton reached just 97 miles from the pole before being forced to turn back. This turned into an epic struggle for survival (unlike Scott 3 years later, they won) which is splendidly recounted with diary extracts. The rest of the book describes the first ascents of Mount Erebus and the first journey to the south magnetic pole as well as the rest of the expedition. Although it is well to bear in mind that nearly all of these period books were written in a style that shows only the positive side of the expeditions I find them more enjoyable to read than some of the more critical modern descriptions.

Not nearly as well known as the Endurance expedition a few years later I actually found this book more interesting and whole heartedly recommend it.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating look at an overlooked expedition, January 2, 2000

By	Susan Paxton (Columbus, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Heart of the Antarctic: Being the Story of the British Antarctic Expedition, 1907-1909 (Paperback)

The epic story of the Endurance expedition has overshadowed Shackleton's earlier Nimrod expedition, during which he and three comrades trekked to within 100 miles of the South Pole and other members of his expedition were the first to climb Mount Erebus and locate the South Magnetic Pole. This is a well-written account and gives a complete overview not only of the expedition but also of Shackleton's careful preparations. Read "South" by all means, but read this book by Shackleton too; it's excellent.

2.0 out of 5 stars Not for anyone wanting to actually read the story, September 15, 2008

By	B. Milner - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Heart Of The Antarctic: Being The Story Of The British Antarctic Expedition 1907-1909 (Hardcover)

This book is essentially a poor photocopy of an incomplete previous publication of the Shackleton journals and report. There are multiple missing and illegible pages. Of mild historical interest only, not for anyone wishing to actually read the work.