Shackleton's Boat Journey

by Frank A. Worsley, Edmund Hillary (Introduction)

On August 1, 1914, on the eve of World War I, Sir Ernest Shackleton and his hand-picked crew embarked in HMS Endurance from London's West India Dock, for an expedition to the Antarctic. It was to turn into one of the most breathtaking survival stories of all time. Even as they coasted down the channel, Shackleton wired back to London to offer his ship to the war effort. The reply came from the First Lord of the Admiralty, one Winston "Proceed." And proceed they did. When the Endurance was trapped and finally crushed to splinters by pack ice in late 1915, they drifted on an ice floe for five months, before getting to open sea and launching three tiny boats as far as the inhospitable, storm-lashed Elephant Island. They drank seal oil and ate baby albatross (delicious, apparently).

From there Shackelton himself and seven others - the author among them - went on, in a 22-foot open boat, for an unbelievable 800 miles, through the Antarctic seas in winter, to South Georgia and rescue. It is an extraordinary story of courage and even good-humour among men who must have felt certain, secretly, that they were going to die.

Worsley's account, first published in 1933, captures that bulldog spirit uncomplaining, tough, competent, modest and deeply loyal. It's gripping, and strangely moving.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Adventure, Travel, Biography, Survival, Memoir

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1933

About the author

Frank Arthur Worsley (1872-1943) was a New Zealand sailor and explorer who served on Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914–1916, as captain of Endurance. He also served in the Royal Navy Reserve during the First World War.

Reviews

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written book by the captain of the Endurance, Frank Worsley, which covers, day-to-day, the epic journey of the James Caird over the storm invested South Atlantic in order to save the survivors of Shackleton's Antarctic expedition. The book was written shortly after the journey and is very descriptive of all the things as they happened, good read.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd already read Worsley's "Endurance" and fell in love with the land of Ice. That book covers their entire journey while this little book zooms in on the truly horrifyingly-exciting adventure of that story: The last leg of an amazing time in the Antarctic by Shackleton et al.
Worsley's account of the Endurance journey is my personal favorite so when I stumbled upon this at my public library I grabbed it quick. You know how some story tellers just are more captivating than all the others? That's this man, Skipper Worsley for me. I'm quite fond of him.

Anyway, the lives of these men were tested, then tested some more but even tho I've read several books on Antarctic expeditions & was blown away by what type of circumstances these guys encounter, in this book alone did I come to realize that harrowing as it was, "Shack" was having a blast!
Pretty good read. In fact I "couldn't put it down" & finished it in one day. Enjoyable, high adventure that leaves make-believe stories in the dust!

[S V B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started up the Polar Book Club this month and this was our first read. I think it's the third time I've read it and I still love it so much. It's really short so I have to ration it. Worsley's writing feels so fresh and funny in comparison to so many other polar books from the same time.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy mackerel! It took a little getting into because there was just so much sailing vocabulary I didn't know, but I ended up reading through without stopping (much to my chagrin tomorrow morning, I expect).

Recommended by a patron as this is the 100th anniversary of Shackleton's expedition. A surprisingly fast read and a gripping adventure, plus the added thrill of being a memoir by a man who actually referred to Sir Ernest* as "Shacks."

*("For scientific discover, give me Scott; for speed and efficiency of travel, give me Amundsen; but when disaster strikes and all hope is gone, get down on your knees and pray for Shackleton." says the jacket.)

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good, but was the lesser of the three books I have read on the Endurance story (also read and tied for first place - Alfred Lansing's and Caroline Alexander's books). Worsley is a decent writer, but as a sailor, focuses a lot of his attention on details of interest to sailors - the weather conditions, the boat, navigation etc. He does add a few bawdy and funny details that don't appear in the other books. Overall, a worthwhile read, but should not be the only account of this incredible survival story that you ever read.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book not so much or the style of writing, which was professional and matter-of-fact, but for the extraordinary courage of the Shackleton and his men. They come from an age that does not exist anymore. They endure the most extreme conditions with an unnatural humour and resignation that all will be well. An astonishing group of men.

There is a book called Barrow' s Boys that describes similar outrageous adventures. A pity it is now out of print.

[Francis A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting overview of this story! It goes less in-depth than his other works but is a very interesting read and his writing is engaging.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book can best be summed up by the small passage at the end, where Worsley reflects on Shackleton's life while standing by his grave in South Georgia:

'It seemed to me that among all his achievements and triumphs, great as they were, his one failure was the most glorious. By self-sacrifice and throwing his own life into the balance he saved every one of his men – not a life was lost – although at times it had looked unlikely that one could be saved.'

Having just read Shackleton's South, this account of the voyages of the three lifeboats, then the sole journey of the James Caird, followed by the trek across South Georgia, was a great addition. Shackleton's account is beautiful and full of modest bravery while this gives an outside perspective of Shackleton from Endurance's captain, Frank Worsley, someone who also shared those trials. It is slightly rawer than Shackleton's version, a little bawdier, but at its heart, deals with the same themes and emotions: the survival of these men and their drive to ensure the survival of their fellows.

I emerged from it with an even deeper respect for Shackleton. Having read about countless sailors, officers, and polar explorers, he is at the pinnacle of care for his men. I'm currently writing a naval survival story, set on open boats on the wide sea, and Shackleton is the foundation for some of the endurance and attitude of the characters.

Of course, this account is not just about Shackleton and I think he would have hated to think it was. I loved the description of the sea, the wild Antarctic, and the methods taken to weather those harsh conditions. Worsley brings a fabulous technical level of seamanship to narrating how he performed the strenuous and difficult navigation and how the James Caird was kept afloat (while also keeping it to a layman's terms as well).

As a sidenote, I also *highly* recommend the National Geographic documentary about the re-discovery of the Endurance!

'He [Shackleton] could well have stayed on Elephant Island, but, as he said, ‘Never for me the lowered banner, never the last endeavour.’"

[Jonathan Corfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have a quick think about the times in your life where you've been a bit uncomfortable (and I don't mean because your Uncle has said something flagrantly racist over Christmas dinner). Maybe you've had a cold or your sock has got a bit wet inside your shoe. Someone has asked you to get up off the couch and turn off the lights so you can watch a movie in the dark. Now imagine it is 30 degrees below zero, a howling gale, you're in a boat in the Southern Ocean, you're seasick, soaked to the skin and have been for months. Oh, and you haven't slept for 90 hours.
Gives popping a mask on in public when your nose is blocked a bit perspective.
Around the turn of last century, in a frankly misguided act of bravery for King and Country, there was a race to the South Pole.
It got won by Johnny foreigner.
The greatest superpower on earth at the time didn't like this stain on its reputation one bit, so Sir Ernest Shackleton proposed an even more impressive bit of folly - we'll cross the whole bally Antarctic in one go.
Now, I'm quite attached to not being uncomfortable - the great outdoors is there for looking at, not being in. This is why we invented windows... even more so, why we invented the pub. But the thought appealed to the British public, the government and the 28 lunatics that embarked on a journey that took them to the Antarctic ice pack. Long story short, the ship Endurance was misnamed and ended up crushed along with Shackleton's hopes of a trans-Antarctic crossing. What makes this a story of a heroic failure was him leading all 28 of them back to safety on three lifeboats. The story, told by New Zealander, Frank Worsley, is remarkable. You feel every mountainous wave, the tongue-withering thirst, every triumphant and luxurious sip of boiling milk when they finally make terra firma, and you imagine every salty splash of frozen seawater that soaked them and gave them frostbite and every torturous hour without sleep and you think "You mad bastards. Why?"
I've done sleep deprivation, I've climbed across glaciers and up mountains and I've had hypothermia and I can tell you that individually, they all suck. Collectively, and for months on end it must be the limit of human endurance.
Couple this with a feat of navigation that is utterly remarkable and you've got an epic.
I was left with the thought that we live in a very comfortable world and there are some that cannot see their obligations toward other people, instead whining about the impingement of their 'freedoms'. If any member of that team of 28 had dragged the chain, whined or not done their duty, then they would definitely have died. They would possibly have taken the other 27 with them for their selfishness.
But you can't tell people that today...
Anyway. A remarkable book.

[Ronnie Strachan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I generally read this type of book in mid-winter by an open window after having had a cold shower from which I spare myself the luxury of drying off. The level of discomfort doesn't come near to that of the Heroic Age of Exploration super-humans here-in, but it certainly gives my imagination a jumping-off point. I'd previously read Shackleton's account of the journey, so this book was primarily a compare-and-contrast exercise which bestowed the perspective of one who hadn't (at least to Shackleton's degree) shouldered the burden of responsibility. Their accounts almost entirely accord, including the albatross fledglings meeting a noble and exceedingly tasty end in their cooking pots.

Thrill yourself with this short read if you're as addicted to Arctic/Antarctic exploration and humans straddling the the limits of discomfort as I am.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating. Straightforward narration that mixes some journal logs written at the time of events and some ex post facto narration to fill in the gaps. These men were almost unbelievable - it's hard to imagine any person alive today not only DOING what these people did but also WANTING to do it. A true tale of survival and heroism.

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. What a crazy adventure. What could be more fun then hanging with Shackleton in Antarctica? I could almost feel the cold as I read this book. Burr.

[Matthew Magee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my gateway into Shackleton and it's as good of a place to start for several reasons. It's not too long and in a sense throws you right into the middle of Shackleton's most famous expedition with it's nearly incomprehensible tale of survival.

Worsley is well qualified to write this account considering he was one of the twenty-eight men of the Endurance expedition, one of the six men sailing the James Caird and one of the three to cross South Georgia. Not only was he present, but he was the Captain of the Endurance and had the unenviable task of navigating throughout this whole ordeal. This is a retrospective review so may not be entirely accurate but from my memory Worsley downplays the commendable,  precise and unassisted feat of navigation that he pulled off in the most challenging of circumstances. His achievement was not and has not gone unrecognised by others.

Writing this account would be a challenge for the descriptive capabilities of any author as the main setting is at sea. Yet, in this book, the writing remains fresh and vivid throughout. Despite needing to repeatedly describe the weather, sea and ice, the writing never turns stale or repetitive. It's interesting too to read Worsley's own reflections on the whole experience. I was especially intrigued on the mention of a fourth presence. Read to find out more! It'll likely leave you wanting to know more about the Endurance Expedition, Shackleton and his men.

(P.S. This is a review for the Folio Edition reprint with an introduction by Ranulph Fiennes.)

[Nicola C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive account written by Frank A Worsley of the boat journey highly detailed of the navigation to elephant Island & onwards to South Georgia.
Well written and descriptive especially when it comes to writing about Killer whales & how the crew would avoid them.
A well written and worthy of reading for those interested further in the Shackleton Expedition.

[Carrie-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful, powerful, uplifting tale of exploration and survival!
This book doesn't ease you in, straight away we are thrown into the lives of these men, the Endurance has already sunk, the men are in three small boat trying to find land, dealing with violent seas, lack of water and cramped conditions. What they didn't lack though is determination. Shackleton may have failed his initial mission of being the first person to cross the south pole, but where he succeeded was in the hearts and minds of his men. A constant optimist, a caring leader and a great man.
Also shout out to the author and captain, Frank Worsley, who along with Shackleton made sure his men were kept in as high spirits as possible.
Even though I knew no man was lost on this incredible journey, I did almost well up during the final few pages when the bulk of the men were rescued and all were accounted for.
This is a short but impressive account of only a small portion of this overall journey.

[Steven Hellier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down. To survive such a journey, only for the great war to come along.

[Cori Macrae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exhilarating

[Asher B. Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to understand how impressive this really is. I would die just eating the hoosh. I hope one day I can visit South Georgia Island.

[Scott R. McKinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, but it reads more like an excerpt than as a standalone work. An accompanying essay either on the life of Shackleton or a longer one on the context of this expedition would safely keep this book as fresh today as it was back in the early 20th Century.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m giving the book 5 stars more so for the story than for how it is told. Although I will say the optimism and positivity that F.A Worsley has in his retelling is astounding. In fact, the whole story is astounding and the fact that 1) individuals took on these conquests willingly and 2) that these men in particular survived everything defies reality.

The book tells a harrowing tale in the light of surviving it so I wonder how much of it really felt as it was told. I cannot imagine keeping such an attitude in such conditions but, perhaps, that is what makes an explorer great. The tale is a quick read despite the fact it likely was anything but for these men especially those left behind.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read as much as I could put my hands on regarding the Endurance expedition of Sir Ernest Shackleton. There is simply not a better adventure story out there than this one. Worsley was Shackleton's ship captain; a man of courage, strength, and determination.

Worsley was also an amazing seaman, navigating a 22 foot open boat hundreds of miles through uncharted waters in a hurricane. Amazing just doesn't cover it. But don't start with this book. "Endurance" is his seminal work and you should begin there.

[Sarah Ogle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I’m honestly sad the genre of explorer accounts has died out- this telling had me on the edge of my seat. It had everything, history,human interest stories, facts on ships and arctic creatures… truly a non-fiction goldmine. The fact that it was all true just makes it even more awesome.

[Austin Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical events like this.
Boats and historical events are what make me love reading. Could you please share the sequel books of your series?

In fact, even though I started reading very late, I'm getting more and more immersed every day.

It is a great chance to read the books of important authors. I know that. I'm looking forward to your new books.

I am writing the importance of reading a book here for friends who want to read this book. I hope it will benefit sellers and customers...

Are the top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:

1. Reading Exercises the Brain

While reading, we have to remember different characters and settings that belong to a given story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you have to remember the details throughout the time you take to read the book. Therefore, reading is a workout for your brain that improves memory function.

2. Reading is a Form of (free) Entertainment

Did you know that most of the popular TV shows and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading. Most importantly, it’s free with your Markham Public Library card.

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Have you ever read a book where you came across an unfamiliar word? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.

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[John M · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Non-Fiction Book Club originally assigned Lansing’s book “Endurance,” but the book was such a long chronicle of misery suffered for no good reason, I could not bring myself to finish it. Indeed, the book title, “Endurance” describes what it takes to continue reading. Growing up in the winters of Chicago I have had enough of the cold. Instead, after trudging through 61 pages I chose to read Worsley’s more concise first-hand account.

Worsley’s book is direct, compact and still sufficiently descriptive to give the reader a good idea of the suffering that the men of the expedition suffered - the incessant and bitter cold, a nightmare of crushing glaciers and their fragments that destroyed a vessel super-engineered to withstand unimaginable pressures, a consistent diet of reconstituted dried milk and “hoosh,” a nourishing mixture of lard, oatmeal, beef protein, salt and sugar invented by Shackleton to keep the expedition nourished, yet easy to make on the fly.

My copy is a Folio Society edition with wonderful maps of the boat journey itself in the front endpaper and of South Georgia Island in the back endpaper including their final overland journey on the island to reach the whaling stations and ships to rescue the other expedition members.

While Lansing’s book is a description of the complete expedition from creation in England to the end, Worsley’s book describes the last stages of the enterprise in three sections, “From the ‘Endurance’ to Elephant Island, Shackleton’s Boat Journey, and Crossing South Georgia.” Lansing’s book is a complete chronicle which does set the stage for the “escape” part, but most of the daring-do is contained in Worsley’s slimmer volume.

For those who crave true adventure stories, these two books are classics and should be high in their “to read” lists.

Today, better-equipped expeditions are discovering fantastic new biotic worlds as the South Pole melts and reveals its secrets, as well as fossil discoveries on Antartica before it drifted to the frigid South Pole.

[Liam Mulkeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most amazing first hand account of an adventure I have ever read.
Two Irishmen and one tough New Zealander; Frank Worsley, this guy was the skipper of an open top boat that sailed a last ditch rescue mission, from Elephant island to South Georgia island (1300K/800mi) , 2 weeks across the rolling southern ocean. Worsley was an amazing seaman and a beautiful writer. Worsleys navigation skills, to hit the exact speck of island in the vast ocean is still considered one of the greatest achievements in open water navigation to this day. Worsley has a stripped back to the bare bones style, every sentence in the very narrow spined book contains precise prosaic information about their astonishing adventure. It feels like you are on the boat and he is writing his diary.
The descriptions of how the boat moves and the wind blows and the waves crash splash off the page. The interactions between the three are funny. "Well ...that was juicy" one remarked soaked to the skin after they were nearly swamped by a crashing wave. There is one description of an albatross flying in the face of a southern gale while the lads are almost dying from exposure in the boat. It's worth reading this book to just find that paragraph. Worsley marvels at their juxtaposed situations and describes in one paragraph in gorgeous detail the image of this bird cutting the gale with its wings and an almost smile on it's beak. There were many twists and turns, how they survived is beyond me.
A must read for anyone who is looking for evidence that a human being can do very difficult things, inspirational and so rare to have the guy who was there, over a hundred years ago, give a first hand account. He is as good a writer as he was a sailor. By the way, 'Close to the Wind' by Pete Goss is another book to have on the bookshelf if you like Shackleton's Boat Journey. Enjoy.

[Jakob Finch · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Shackleton's Boat Journey by F.A. Worsley is written about Shackleton’s journey on the Endurance. Shackletons journey began August 1914 in London. This turned into one of the most amazing and breathtaking survival story of all time. Shackleton offered his boat to the war efforts and when they said to do it so they did. The Endurance was trapped and finally turned to splinters by pack ice in late 1915. They ended up drifting on an ice floe for 5 months. Then they were able to get onto open water and sending out three boats to Elephant Island. All they had to live off of was seal oil and ate baby albatross. After they got off the island on a 22 foot boat and they traveled 800 miles through the Antarctic seas in the winter to Georgia. The book does an excellent job showing everything the crew went through and exactly what it takes to survive. They worked together and helped one another survive. Shackleton's Boat Journey is a nonfiction book and is very good with making the book interesting. I would give this book 4 stars. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read books that are real events and have to do with survival. If someone is not into book about survival or nonfiction books I would not recommend it. F.A. Worsley is a good writer and is able to keep his readers on their toes, not knowing what was going to happen next.

[Harpoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Shackleton's Endurance expedition is one of the great adventure stories of all time. Worsley was the captain of the Endurance, and a phenomenal navigator; his technical skills were as important for the eventual survival of the crew as were Shackleton's vaunted leadership skills. This book doesn't cover the whole expedition; it starts when the men have t0 abandon their camp on the ice, and recounts the voyage to Elephant Island, the further voyage of a small group to South Georgia Island, and the crossing on foot by an even smaller group. The day-to-day details are compelling; you really see the hardships they endured, and wonder how people can live through that.

This is a short book and easy to read (if you don't get hung up on all the nautical terminology; most of it went over my head, but that's okay). It's probably not the book to start with if you're not familiar with the whole story. I like the Lansing version, but there are several good ones. Then read this book for a close-up perspective on just what it took to sail across a violent ocean in a tiny boat.

[Kurtie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by the captain of the Endurance, nearly day-to-day description commencing when the ship becomes trapped in pack ice and drifted 1,000 miles, whereupon she was crushed and sank Nov. 21,1915. The journey continues as the crew of 28 men is cast adrift on an ice flow and ride another 600 miles over five months. Worsely's deference to Shackleton doesn't waiver; he covers for Shackleton constantly. At one point W. makes it sound like S. didn't want to risk sailing around Elephant Island but later blames the failure to make the attempt on two enfeebled men. It just seems like S. made this journey harder than it had to be.
Amazing stamina in these guys. Story sounds unbelieveable -- floating on ice for months, making it to a small island in three separate lifeboats, sailing to S. Georgia island through gales and hurricanes, hiking over a mountain. Through all of it, there is never any criticism of Shackleton.
Great story. Would really like to hear what the 22 men who were left on Elephant Island did during Shackleton's trip to S. Georgia.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting first person account by New Zealand Captain F.A. Worsley whose brilliant navigation skills turned a failed expedition into a triumph of survival. Sir Ernest Shackleton's 1914 expedition to traverse the Antarctic continent from "sea to sea" became a harrowing survival tale for twenty-eight men after their ship, the HMS Endurance became frozen in the ice early in 1915 and sank ten months later.

What follows is a jaw dropping tale of courage, perseverance and the Herculean efforts by Shackleton and his crew to survive and reach safety. Sir Edmund Hilary called it "one of the most remarkable stories of survival in recorded history." Their ship's name became their legacy as they faced towering open seas in tiny boats, constant hunger, thirst, frostbite, life-threatening accidents and killer whales. That's just a few of the dangers they faced.

Accompanied by pages of incredible photographs, this astounding survival tale was one of my husband's favorite books and is now one of mine.

[DPJ Gurney · Rating 5 out of 5]

My grandfather clock struck for 09.00 as the last page turned and an image of the James Caird, in repose at Dulwich College, and a list of men was revealed. A splendid tale of great leadership, cheerfulness in the face of adversity and some exquisite fortune. One to re-read if the levels are low, heavens knows it puts our squishy troubles in perspective. The humour and witty prose was unexpected and very welcome but I really felt touched by the regard Wuzz has for his leader and selfless quality that man possessed to get them all home. I have a new Patron Saint for Trouble and, to whisk Sir Raymond Priestley into this missive’s close, gladly paraphrase “when disaster strikes and all hope is lost I’ll get down on my knees and pray for Shackleton.” Splendid stuff. 🇦🇶⚓️