Ernest Shackleton: Going South

Heroes of History #27

by Janet Benge, Geoff Benge

As adventurers from around the world raced to reach the South Pole and achieve other polar firsts in the early 1900s, outsider Ernest Shackleton and his motley expeditions would outshine even the British navy, becoming icons of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.

Known for prizing loyalty, leadership, and skill without regard for rank or social class―and for bringing men back alive―Shackleton completed three death-defying Antarctic journeys. Called the Boss by his crew and Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton by the king, the Anglo-Irish explorer counted it all part of life’s grand adventure (1874–1922).

Genres: Biography, History, Childrens, Nonfiction

227 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2017

About the author

Janet and Geoff Benge are a husband and wife writing team with twenty years of writing experience. They are best known for the books in the two series Christian Heroes: Then & Now series and Heroes of History. Janet is a former elementary school teacher. Geoff holds a degree in history. Together they have a passion to make history come alive for a new generation. Originally from New Zealand, the Benges make their home in the Orlando, Florida, area.

Reviews

[Daniel Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Irishman, Ernest Shackleton, was an early explorer of the Antarctic Ocean in the early 1900s. He was the leader of an expedition attempting to be the first to reach the South Pole. Despite the hazards of three expeditions, he never lost a man. He was knighted by King Edward VII as Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton. And he won the respect of seamen worldwide for his heroic adventures.

[Leah Waggoner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun biography. Mind opening to world exploration during WW1. Impressive leadership by Shackleton. To lead these harrowing voyages, and then for the adventurers to explore again w him after their first harrowing, almost life ending mission, is inspiring. This book didn’t touch much on his faith, but I have a feeling he was a deeply spiritual man.

I loved the names they gave the boats and camps. Endurance, Patience….Life giving names filled w meaning. And the friendship and commitment displayed to their team. Shackleton and the few men that left Elephant Island w him, in search of rescue,displayed such bravery and loyalty. The men who remained behind lived in this same loyalty and bravery. Miraculous survival by all. I enjoyed watching a documentary on their voyages. And hope to read a biography by him sometime soon.

[Jodi Z]

The real life adventures of Ernest Shackleton have fascinated me since I first became aware of his ill-fated attempts to be the first to reach the south pole. His indomitable spirit, tempered only by his uncanny ability to shift focus to the expedient when his own goal becomes preempted by the need to survive and bring his team home alive, is a force to be reckoned with. If you are looking for a new frontier to explore, consider spending some time with Shackleton and witness what he does when he becomes shipwrecked in the wild and unpredictable Southern Ocean. (Keep a warm blanket and a mug of hot chocolate handy!) And, maybe think twice before you choose a phrase like "By Endurance We Conquer" as a family motto: you never know what you might inspire your children to tackle.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew his story but it was nice to read this excellent version. I think he was kind of a discontented person. He told his wife that he would not do another Antarctica adventure after the Endurance journey and disaster but he had to do another one. He had not reached the pole but he was going to transverse the continent. He died of a heart attack on that last one. I guess he was only 47. Emily insisted his body be buried in Antarctica so even though it was on it's way back to England, they turned around and headed back.

Yes, yes, this is the leadership book. All leaders interested in development like his story. He actually did a great job saving the crew after the ship just got crushed by the ice.

[Chandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

If it weren't a biography, it would be hard to imagine anyone surviving the sorts of circumstances that Ernest Shackleton lived through. I'm glad to read amazing chronicles of survival, courage, grit, and team-commitment like this to my boys.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to travel, but this man and his passion for exploring. Wow!

[Kristin]

This book was pretty interesting. An Irishman who really was passionate about exploring to the South Pole and Antarctica. Good character