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Chasing Shackleton: Re-creating the World's Greatest Journey of Survival
In this extraordinary adventure memoir and tie-in to the PBS documentary, Tim Jarvis, one of the world's leading explorers, describes his modern-day journey to retrace, for the first time ever—and in period clothing and gear—the legendary 1914 expedition of Sir Ernest Shackleton.
In early 1914, British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and his team sailed for Antarctica, attempting to be the first to reach the South Pole. Instead of glory, Shackleton and his crew found themselves in an epic struggle for survival: a three-year odyssey on the ice and oceans of the Antarctic that endures as one of the world’s most famous tales of adventure, endurance, and leadership ever recorded.
In the winter of 2013, celebrated explorer Tim Jarvis, a veteran of multiple polar expeditions, set out to recreate Sir Ernest Shackleton’s treacherous voyage over sea and mountain, outfitted solely with authentic equipment—clothing, boots, food, and tools—from Shackleton’s time, a feat that has never been successfully accomplished.
Shackleton's Epic is the remarkable record of Jarvis and his team’s epic journey. Beautifully designed and illustrated with dozens of photographs from the original voyage and its modern reenactment, it is a visual feast for readers and historians alike, and an essential new chapter in the story that has inspired adventurers across every continent for a century.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 30, 2016
You have to admire these guys. Six men set out to retrace Shackleton’s incredible 800-mile voyage across the Southern Ocean in an open lifeboat and subsequent traverse of an unexplored mountain range to reach the nearest human settlement - using a replica of Shackleton’s boat, the same rudimentary navigation gear, and the same early 20th-century clothing and rations.
Though they could not reprise the reason for his heroic voyage of course. And there is the main problem – it simply isn’t possible to re-create such a monumental effort because the stakes were so different. If Shackleton’s rescue mission had failed, the rest of his party – 20 men stranded in the Antarctic - would certainly have died. Tim Jarvis’s version certainly had its own problems to surmount, but by comparison they were quite artificial – ensuring various parts of the enterprise came together at the right time, negotiating the rules and restrictions of 21st-century marine bureaucracy, and handling a support team making a documentary of the voyage.
Unfortunately, Jarvis points all this out a little too often and it does get tiresome reading over and over that “while Shackleton had the lives of 20 men depending on him, we did not”. Yes Tim, we do get that: there’s no real equivalence between a voyage into the unknown that had a very high chance of ending in death and one where there was an infrastructure to ensure that didn’t happen.
Yet the difficulties Jarvis had to deal with were actually quite interesting in their own right: the balancing act to ensure that all the essential components - crew, boat, supplies, permits, support vessel and film crew - were in place in the Antarctic at the same time, was certainly a challenge. And in common with Shackleton’s original polar voyage he needed to select suitable crew and raise sufficient funds. There was also the stress of having to deal with the support crew’s need to make an arresting documentary. (it was for PBS apparently). “Can you do that again for the camera?” was a frequent request. There were several instances where Jarvis became furious when he sensed that the support team was trying to wind them up to create some drama and tension.
The account is well-written and not overly long, and Jarvis provides a good commentary on the Shackleton voyage as well. There’s no doubt that following S’s path as closely as he did gives him a unique insight into what Shackleton’s state of mind must have been at the time. The only other thing that detracts a bit is that Jarvis’s timeline is a bit jumbled – he describes the building and testing of the replica boat well after he’s dealt with the preparations to have all the equipment actually shipped to the Antarctic. But this is a minor thing; it’s an enjoyable read.
Though they could not reprise the reason for his heroic voyage of course. And there is the main problem – it simply isn’t possible to re-create such a monumental effort because the stakes were so different. If Shackleton’s rescue mission had failed, the rest of his party – 20 men stranded in the Antarctic - would certainly have died. Tim Jarvis’s version certainly had its own problems to surmount, but by comparison they were quite artificial – ensuring various parts of the enterprise came together at the right time, negotiating the rules and restrictions of 21st-century marine bureaucracy, and handling a support team making a documentary of the voyage.
Unfortunately, Jarvis points all this out a little too often and it does get tiresome reading over and over that “while Shackleton had the lives of 20 men depending on him, we did not”. Yes Tim, we do get that: there’s no real equivalence between a voyage into the unknown that had a very high chance of ending in death and one where there was an infrastructure to ensure that didn’t happen.
Yet the difficulties Jarvis had to deal with were actually quite interesting in their own right: the balancing act to ensure that all the essential components - crew, boat, supplies, permits, support vessel and film crew - were in place in the Antarctic at the same time, was certainly a challenge. And in common with Shackleton’s original polar voyage he needed to select suitable crew and raise sufficient funds. There was also the stress of having to deal with the support crew’s need to make an arresting documentary. (it was for PBS apparently). “Can you do that again for the camera?” was a frequent request. There were several instances where Jarvis became furious when he sensed that the support team was trying to wind them up to create some drama and tension.
The account is well-written and not overly long, and Jarvis provides a good commentary on the Shackleton voyage as well. There’s no doubt that following S’s path as closely as he did gives him a unique insight into what Shackleton’s state of mind must have been at the time. The only other thing that detracts a bit is that Jarvis’s timeline is a bit jumbled – he describes the building and testing of the replica boat well after he’s dealt with the preparations to have all the equipment actually shipped to the Antarctic. But this is a minor thing; it’s an enjoyable read.
February 2, 2018
The most useful part of this book is the very frank explanation of the logistics and preparation that goes into an expedition of this type. It is frank and very open about the trust needed and sometimes violated, the permits and logistics, but in the end the kindness of strangers helps bring things together.
The journey itself is really the other half of the book. And it is well described and entertaining. Of special humor is the need to tolerate the "need for drama" of the ubiquitous Documentary crew.
I recommend this book for those with an adventurous spirit, whether 10 or 100.
The journey itself is really the other half of the book. And it is well described and entertaining. Of special humor is the need to tolerate the "need for drama" of the ubiquitous Documentary crew.
I recommend this book for those with an adventurous spirit, whether 10 or 100.
February 27, 2016
4.5
Well yes, I loved every page of this book. Not only is it about Shackleton (!!) and Antarctica (!!!), which would have been enough for me to love it in any case, but Tim Jarvis is a fantastic writer and the photographs are stunning. It made me laugh out loud multiple times too. I love books that make me laugh.
The only flaws were that the boat journey was better described than the journey across South Georgia (even a Shackleton nut like me got confused) and that I think Jarvis completely misinterpreted Shackleton's writing about the "fourth member" of the team.
But yes. I loved it.
Well yes, I loved every page of this book. Not only is it about Shackleton (!!) and Antarctica (!!!), which would have been enough for me to love it in any case, but Tim Jarvis is a fantastic writer and the photographs are stunning. It made me laugh out loud multiple times too. I love books that make me laugh.
The only flaws were that the boat journey was better described than the journey across South Georgia (even a Shackleton nut like me got confused) and that I think Jarvis completely misinterpreted Shackleton's writing about the "fourth member" of the team.
But yes. I loved it.
September 23, 2019
The logistics was the protagonist of the book, and they were numerous and numbing; I could have had a quarter of the nonsense around setting it up and what nails were used and more about the moments on the boat or on the ice which he glossed over in what it seemed like a quarter of the book. For both. It reminded me of the era of reality tv we live in; even if you have never seen a “reality” show, it permeates everything as in this book’s asides about the film crew, and the heart, the beating, human heart of what they were doing was secondary. Interesting enough, but the story could have used a better editor.
March 2, 2014
I'm obsessed with Shackleton's incredible feat of survival after his ship got stuck in the ice in the Antarctic and he managed to get all of his men back to safety, so I was really intrigued by Tim Jarvis' recreating of the last two of the legs of Shackleton's journey(one by lifeboat, and one climbing over the ice-covered mountains of South Georgia island) and using predominantly only gear that was available at Shackleton's time, almost 100 years ago. As much as I admire what was accomplished, the book took a long time to finish. The first half of the book was focused on all the logistics of planning this endeavor, including all the snafus and last minute change in plans. While it certainly shed light on how difficult it is to arrange such a undertaking and how much stress it must have been for Tim Jarvis, I really wanted to get to the part about the actual voyage. Overall, an interesting read, and a great tribute to Shackleton, but maybe reading about it wasn't the best way to go. I have not seen the documentary of this re-creation yet, but I'm looking forward to it.
July 24, 2014
I hadn't heard a thing about this book when I picked it up. The title and cover drew me in because I love Antarctica ever since my study abroad there in 2008. I used to know quite a lot about Shackleton although I had forgotten most of it, fortunately this book does a great job of telling his adventure story as well so I wasn't behind.
Actually I found that the parts about Shackleton and the quotes by him and his crew to be the most interesting part of the book, making me think that I would have actually enjoyed a biography of Shackleton more. This book has beautiful pictures and a great story of adventure although I get the feeling that the documentary would be a lot better than the book as it is lacking a little in the writing department.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, but only if you are into this sort of thing. If you are new to the subject of Antarctic adventure, I have certainly read better and would start with something else.
From We're All Stories in the End
Actually I found that the parts about Shackleton and the quotes by him and his crew to be the most interesting part of the book, making me think that I would have actually enjoyed a biography of Shackleton more. This book has beautiful pictures and a great story of adventure although I get the feeling that the documentary would be a lot better than the book as it is lacking a little in the writing department.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, but only if you are into this sort of thing. If you are new to the subject of Antarctic adventure, I have certainly read better and would start with something else.
From We're All Stories in the End
October 26, 2015
I am on a reading binge regarding Sir Ernest Shackleton. I watched the DVD "Chasing Shackleton" and got the book to read more of the behind-the-scenes material.
My recommendation, read Shackleton and Worsley's books instead. This book is not bad, and the recreation of the boat trip and crossing of South Georgia island is an amazing physical feat. However in trying to find out what made Shackleton "tick", the author overlooked time and time again when Shackleton sacrificed for the sake of his men. The atmosphere of the book and DVD is "let's do the same thing he did", but the leadership qualities that Worsley and others enumerate about Shackleton are missing.
Shackleton gave the better boots to his men, he purposely chose boots of inferior quality. Shackleton's men also did not suffer from trench foot, although several of Jarvis' team did come down with it. I wonder what kept Shackleton's men healthier in that regard? They rinsed their socks in sea water, so I wonder if the salt could have provided a healing environment to keep trench foot at bay?
My recommendation, read Shackleton and Worsley's books instead. This book is not bad, and the recreation of the boat trip and crossing of South Georgia island is an amazing physical feat. However in trying to find out what made Shackleton "tick", the author overlooked time and time again when Shackleton sacrificed for the sake of his men. The atmosphere of the book and DVD is "let's do the same thing he did", but the leadership qualities that Worsley and others enumerate about Shackleton are missing.
Shackleton gave the better boots to his men, he purposely chose boots of inferior quality. Shackleton's men also did not suffer from trench foot, although several of Jarvis' team did come down with it. I wonder what kept Shackleton's men healthier in that regard? They rinsed their socks in sea water, so I wonder if the salt could have provided a healing environment to keep trench foot at bay?
June 22, 2014
You might question their sanity, but there is no doubting the skill and commitment of Tim Jarvis and the team he put together to attempt a re-creation of Shackleton's historic ocean voyage and trek across South Georgia island in a bid to save the shipwrecked crew of Endurance.
That said, this story lacked the sense of compelling drama of the original. While they clearly suffered peril and hardship along the way, and endured circumstances that few people would willingly choose -- and perhaps fewer yet survive -- I found it difficult to ignore the contrived nature of the challenges they faced, which is possibly a failure on my part. After all, regardless of the circumstances by which someone arrives in such a situation, the daunting nature of both phases of this journey, and the fact that both teams of men were successful, is a testament to human perseverance.
Nonetheless, this did not captivate me the way the original story of Endurance did.
December 22, 2017
A fascinating recreation of Shackleton epic journey. Favorite quote, by Apsley Cherry-Garrard from the original team:
“For speed across the ice give me Amundsen, for scientific research there is Scott, but in times of trouble pray God for Shackleton.”
And Cherry-Garrard explored with all three leaders.
I respect that Tim Jarvis and his teams of adventurers and cameramen wanted to recreate the adventure and get some great reality TV footage, but I thought his adherence to using historically accurate clothing was a poor choice. Trench foot was almost the end of the story.
The suffering of the team did not add to the tale.
“For speed across the ice give me Amundsen, for scientific research there is Scott, but in times of trouble pray God for Shackleton.”
And Cherry-Garrard explored with all three leaders.
I respect that Tim Jarvis and his teams of adventurers and cameramen wanted to recreate the adventure and get some great reality TV footage, but I thought his adherence to using historically accurate clothing was a poor choice. Trench foot was almost the end of the story.
The suffering of the team did not add to the tale.
August 3, 2014
An absolute amazing story; both the original and this reenactment. I really enjoyed details of how he organized his expedition and the tremendous problem solving he had to employ. However, here were two aspects of the story which took some of the 'shine' of his accomplishments. I think he failed when it came to looking after his teammates, berating them as they fell ill, something Shackleton never did. And he does a lot of complaining about his film team, without which he never would have found the founding.
Still, worth reading.
Still, worth reading.
March 19, 2014
A man attempts to recreate Shackleton's incredible voyage for freedom.
I tried so hard to get into this book. I love the Shackleton story and Alfred Lansing's book is one I can read over and over. But I just couldn't get past the blow-by-blow minutiae of planning the trip, moving supplies, paying people, etc.
I tried so hard to get into this book. I love the Shackleton story and Alfred Lansing's book is one I can read over and over. But I just couldn't get past the blow-by-blow minutiae of planning the trip, moving supplies, paying people, etc.
March 2, 2015
Dragged a lot in the beginning. I know he was conveying his frustration with the bureaucratic hurdles he had to jump through to get this expedition going, but he conveyed a bit too much for me. It was hard to get through all the complaining. The actual journey was interesting and the idea for such an expedition is excellent, but this book of the expedition was not so good.
June 30, 2017
So much information here. As much as I liked hearing about everything that needed to be done to get this expedition underway I really didn't enjoy the story until they were actually in the middle of their quest. The Shackleton story is an amazing one and it was interesting to see how this "re-creation" actually re-created the journey. Good read.
February 12, 2019
What a grand adventure! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. They were indeed iron men and a great example of endurance, will, intestinal fortitude and intelligence. In my opinion, this would be an inspirational read to share with the young people in your life.
Read
March 31, 2022A book about recreating perhaps the most epic survival story of all time. My mind was blown learning in great detail how Shackleton's team triumphed in the worst of circumstances, as well as a chilling warning about climate change.
September 7, 2024
Be warned this is a travel/explorer book not a history book, perhaps suited to those who dream of undertaking such an adventure. Any comparisons made to Shackleton's journey lack nuance, whilst the author's rose-coloured reflection on his own interesting leadership style makes for a difficult read.
August 1, 2014
Book serves as a solid compliment to the PBS video. Video is actually better because the filming and scenery are spectacular. Great tribute and trip by Mr Jarvis to celebrate Sir Ernest.
April 5, 2023
Proving or supporting the story of Shackleton in as much as possible replica of Shackleton’s survival journey using the same historically accurate boat, gear, food, etc.
August 27, 2018
good story - well told, excellent photos
April 30, 2021
Amazing!
July 5, 2021
This man is my idle! Not going to spoil this, but it is a bloody brilliant read!
September 17, 2023
All utterly bonkers, but fascinating read.
February 14, 2014
Source: Free copy from William Morrow in exchange for a review.
Summary:
Tim Jarvis, an experienced explorer, was asked by the granddaughter of Sir Ernest Shackleton, to recreate Shackleton's 1916 famous trek. Shackleton and his crew had embarked on a course to reach the South Pole in 1914; instead, their ship became stranded in ice. In 1916 Shackleton and a select few men, made the journey across the rough Southern Ocean to the island of South Georgia. Their next goal was to climb over the interior mountains to a remote fishing village in order to rescue the men left behind on the ship.
Tim Jarvis, put together a crew and a plan to follow the same route Shackleton had done. They would use original equipment from Shackleton's era, including a replica built boat like the one used by Shackleton in order to reach South Georgia.
The book Chasing Shackleton, begins with the initial planning phase of the expedition. Jarvis chose men based on: experience, health, knowledge, abilities, and fortitude. The gathering of gear and the building of the replica boat was the next step. A Discovery channel team would follow Jarvis's group and film the expedition.
My Thoughts:
I have not watched the PBS special on the recreation, but my husband has and found it very interesting.
I enjoyed reading this book for several reasons:
1. During the crossing of the Southern Ocean (in the small replica boat) it was a "white knuckle" reading adventure.
2. I loved reading about Shackleton's story, it was placed first in the book; then Jarvis began telling his story of the planning of the expedition and the adventure itself.
3. I appreciate the realness of the teams experience. The Jarvis group of men are experienced athletes and explorers; however, they had experiences of failure or weakness.
4. Common habits of life are difficult in extreme conditions, for example: where do you use the bathroom?
5. I am amazed at the endurance and fortitude of both groups of men, the Shackleton group and the Jarvis group.
6. Stunning photographs are displayed throughout the book as well as a few maps.
7. Chasing Shackleton is a phenomenal story of adventure.
Summary:
Tim Jarvis, an experienced explorer, was asked by the granddaughter of Sir Ernest Shackleton, to recreate Shackleton's 1916 famous trek. Shackleton and his crew had embarked on a course to reach the South Pole in 1914; instead, their ship became stranded in ice. In 1916 Shackleton and a select few men, made the journey across the rough Southern Ocean to the island of South Georgia. Their next goal was to climb over the interior mountains to a remote fishing village in order to rescue the men left behind on the ship.
Tim Jarvis, put together a crew and a plan to follow the same route Shackleton had done. They would use original equipment from Shackleton's era, including a replica built boat like the one used by Shackleton in order to reach South Georgia.
The book Chasing Shackleton, begins with the initial planning phase of the expedition. Jarvis chose men based on: experience, health, knowledge, abilities, and fortitude. The gathering of gear and the building of the replica boat was the next step. A Discovery channel team would follow Jarvis's group and film the expedition.
My Thoughts:
I have not watched the PBS special on the recreation, but my husband has and found it very interesting.
I enjoyed reading this book for several reasons:
1. During the crossing of the Southern Ocean (in the small replica boat) it was a "white knuckle" reading adventure.
2. I loved reading about Shackleton's story, it was placed first in the book; then Jarvis began telling his story of the planning of the expedition and the adventure itself.
3. I appreciate the realness of the teams experience. The Jarvis group of men are experienced athletes and explorers; however, they had experiences of failure or weakness.
4. Common habits of life are difficult in extreme conditions, for example: where do you use the bathroom?
5. I am amazed at the endurance and fortitude of both groups of men, the Shackleton group and the Jarvis group.
6. Stunning photographs are displayed throughout the book as well as a few maps.
7. Chasing Shackleton is a phenomenal story of adventure.
September 6, 2015
The story of 6 men who set out to recreate Shackleton's 1916 trip from Elephant Island to Stromness on the South Georgia islands. I enjoyed this book because my husband and I have been to Elephant Island and Stromness. And as it turns out Tim Jarvis and his crew were making this journey at the same time we were in Antarctica. So I can greatly sympathize with them talking about the harsh conditions. I don't know if the book would be as enjoyable to read for someone who has not seen the harsh conditions in Antarctica but it is still a fascinating book. These gentlemen are either very brave or completely crazy. Very much enjoyed the book. I understand PBS also made a documentary so went on-line and watched part of it. Have to say the documentary was a huge disappointment after reading the book.
March 10, 2014
If you want an excellent overview of Shacketon's story of survival spiced with real life modern day action this is your book.
It is a well written account of the recreation that was enacted with the same equipment and clothing used by Shackleton. I have seen the documentary and went to a talk by Tim Jarvis. It is interesting to see (read, hear) the different slants put on events in order to create documentary drama or prevent lawsuits. That a film crew feel they need to create extra tension staggers me, and I think there is the real story. The viewing public's lust for more, in everything from Home Cooking shows to adventure. I guess it is the sign of a good story and a good storyteller that Tim Jarvis has let that bit go.
It is a well written account of the recreation that was enacted with the same equipment and clothing used by Shackleton. I have seen the documentary and went to a talk by Tim Jarvis. It is interesting to see (read, hear) the different slants put on events in order to create documentary drama or prevent lawsuits. That a film crew feel they need to create extra tension staggers me, and I think there is the real story. The viewing public's lust for more, in everything from Home Cooking shows to adventure. I guess it is the sign of a good story and a good storyteller that Tim Jarvis has let that bit go.
April 1, 2021
This was a fascinating account of a crazy expedition. It was really interesting to read about both the back story of the expedition as well as the expedition itself. I also appreciated the history of Shackleton's original expedition. As someone who really, really hates being cold, I can't imagine willingly putting myself in that situation, especially using the period clothing and equipment.
March 7, 2016
Just brilliant, and what a motivating book. An expedition of this extreme nature reveals the key elements of what's important to be a human being, along with the organisational skills and sheer determination to make it happen. Thank you Tim Jarvis, and the rest of your team & supporters for sharing this experience.
Read
March 1, 2014This is such an interesting story, but there are a lot of technical details. I had to return the book to the library (someone is waiting for it), and I decided to abandon it. I can't wait to watch the PBS documentary, though.
February 11, 2014
Shackleton is my hero. The fact that Jarvis could duplicate the last 2 legs of Shackleton 's 3 year Antarctica odyssey using the same types of clothing and technology and the same routes puts him right up there too. But Shackleton still reigns supreme.
May 19, 2014
Very interesting travel story of how the author and five men recreated Shackleton's trip from Elephant Island to South Georgia Island and then overland to a town. The recreation was done with period dress and instruments as far as permits and insurance would allow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews