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Endurance
'Gripping pulse-racing adventure by a true legend. Louis Rudd's courage and determination is admirable' – Andy McNab
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In 2018 Captain Louis Rudd MBE walked into the history books when he finished a solo, unsupported crossing of Antarctica, pulling a 130 kg sledge laden with his supplies for more than 900 miles. Louis’ skills had been honed in the SAS, on operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, but now – in the most hostile environment on earth – they would be tested like never before. Alone on the ice, Louis battled through whiteouts, 50 mph gales and temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius. It would take all his mental strength to survive.
In this gripping book Louis reveals how a thirst for adventure saw him join the Royal Marines at sixteen and then pass the SAS selection course at only twenty-two. He describes his first gruelling polar expedition with legendary explorer Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley in 2011 and the leadership challenges he faced a few years later when he led a team of Army Reservists across Antarctica. And he takes us with him step by painful step as he pushes himself to the limit, travelling alone on his epic and lonely trek across the continent’s treacherous ice fields and mountains.
With edge-of-the-seat storytelling, Endurance is an awe-inspiring account of courage and resilience by a remarkable man.
‘Resilience and tenacity against the odds. An extraordinary tale of bravery, written with humility by the toughest of the tough’ – Levison Wood
'Capt Rudd is an inspiration to us all, I believe his name will go down in polar history' – Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE
_____________________
In 2018 Captain Louis Rudd MBE walked into the history books when he finished a solo, unsupported crossing of Antarctica, pulling a 130 kg sledge laden with his supplies for more than 900 miles. Louis’ skills had been honed in the SAS, on operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, but now – in the most hostile environment on earth – they would be tested like never before. Alone on the ice, Louis battled through whiteouts, 50 mph gales and temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius. It would take all his mental strength to survive.
In this gripping book Louis reveals how a thirst for adventure saw him join the Royal Marines at sixteen and then pass the SAS selection course at only twenty-two. He describes his first gruelling polar expedition with legendary explorer Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley in 2011 and the leadership challenges he faced a few years later when he led a team of Army Reservists across Antarctica. And he takes us with him step by painful step as he pushes himself to the limit, travelling alone on his epic and lonely trek across the continent’s treacherous ice fields and mountains.
With edge-of-the-seat storytelling, Endurance is an awe-inspiring account of courage and resilience by a remarkable man.
‘Resilience and tenacity against the odds. An extraordinary tale of bravery, written with humility by the toughest of the tough’ – Levison Wood
'Capt Rudd is an inspiration to us all, I believe his name will go down in polar history' – Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE
307 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2020
17 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 30, 2020
The first quarter of this book - how Rudd enters the military and serves in various places - is of very little interest and mostly because he’s largely hidden - the entire book is told quite matter-of-factly and feelings and motivations not easily accessible.
The polar expeditions lifts the reading experience and are often riveting reading though. A bit more of the man comes through, even if that’s the part having you wish for more. I realise he’s not an author and he even alludes to writing this book was on par with the ordeal of getting to the South Pole thrice. You could have wished his co-writer could have insisted on further insights. They do avoid most of the mistakes made in similar recounts of super-human endurance “I passed out from the pain as my leg was mangled and it was impossible to put any weight on it without dying - and then I gritted my teeth and walked another 567 miles at a higher pace” and the like. Even now, it’s quite spellbinding reading, so should not complain too much.
The preparations are interesting in themselves, the hunting of grams saved by putting freeze-dried food in plastic bags, removing the foil etc. But I cannot for the life of me understand why he needs 5000 songs on his phone? Was he going to keep it playing for the 57 days and never wanted to hear one song twice? Is he extremely specific what he’s in the mood for?
My minor complaints aside, it’s a really good reading experience all in all and recommended.
The polar expeditions lifts the reading experience and are often riveting reading though. A bit more of the man comes through, even if that’s the part having you wish for more. I realise he’s not an author and he even alludes to writing this book was on par with the ordeal of getting to the South Pole thrice. You could have wished his co-writer could have insisted on further insights. They do avoid most of the mistakes made in similar recounts of super-human endurance “I passed out from the pain as my leg was mangled and it was impossible to put any weight on it without dying - and then I gritted my teeth and walked another 567 miles at a higher pace” and the like. Even now, it’s quite spellbinding reading, so should not complain too much.
The preparations are interesting in themselves, the hunting of grams saved by putting freeze-dried food in plastic bags, removing the foil etc. But I cannot for the life of me understand why he needs 5000 songs on his phone? Was he going to keep it playing for the 57 days and never wanted to hear one song twice? Is he extremely specific what he’s in the mood for?
My minor complaints aside, it’s a really good reading experience all in all and recommended.
October 18, 2020
No passion or emotion in this book. You’ve just travelled months solo in the Arctic and very rarely talks about the emotional impact (if any) the expedition had on him psychologically.
I feel for his wife and kids, because Louis comes across as selfish and uncaring in this book. I’d like to know more about what he was thinking, what was pushing him, more about the fine line between sanity and insanity because let’s face it, that kind of journey would have some kind of psychological impact and yet it was hardly ever mentioned.
Makes me feel fortunate reading this book.
I feel for his wife and kids, because Louis comes across as selfish and uncaring in this book. I’d like to know more about what he was thinking, what was pushing him, more about the fine line between sanity and insanity because let’s face it, that kind of journey would have some kind of psychological impact and yet it was hardly ever mentioned.
Makes me feel fortunate reading this book.
December 4, 2020
An epic read of epic adventures of a UK military soldier: Boy's own stuff. The hardship endured by those in the book in some cases resulted in injury and death, but the world is richer because of those that go way above and beyond what most of us have no concept of. I'd recommend this book to all teenagers.
August 22, 2020
Great read, I hope his story can be the worlds instead of just a British explorers story. Maybe he carries the torch for Scott a little much for an American to appreciate but otherwise I just fell in love with his story and found myself wanting to know just as much about his breakdancing as I did his thoughts on polar travel. Incredibly disarming and not at all like Colin obradys book.
June 27, 2023
No doubt that Louis Rudd is a badass. He'll probably tell you as much himself. The story is fun enough, never boring, but there's very little at stake. I wouldn't last a day traversing Antarctica, it's undoubtedly an impressive feat, but it's not like these people go there to discover anything. They just want to do impressive, historic things and challenge themselves. That's fine, but is it very interesting? I honestly don't think so.
And all of the quotes by Mandela, Churchill etc. make Rudd seem conceited.
And all of the quotes by Mandela, Churchill etc. make Rudd seem conceited.
January 10, 2024
Superb. Gripping raw and honest account. Inspiring.
January 13, 2021
Fantastic!! What an adventure. I found this easy to read and could easily picture what he was writing about.
My only comment is that I would have like to seen a map with the paths that the expeditions took but that is only a minor thing.
My only comment is that I would have like to seen a map with the paths that the expeditions took but that is only a minor thing.
August 18, 2020
The moment I picked up this novel I could not put it down. I was truly immersed in the journey and adventure of the footsteps of Captain Rudd. I felt like I was part of the Antarctica experience. The appreciation of legendary polar explorers Robert Falcon Scott, Ernest Shackleton, and Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley. Endurance is well defined in those that have ventured the South Pole. Endurance is a fitting title for this well written novel! You are truly an inspiration Louis Rudd! Thanks for sharing this amazing journey.
August 31, 2021
An inspiring read and one that filled me with utmost admiration and respect for an author whose thirst for adventure and willingness to push himself beyond limits took him on journeys that most of us can only imagine from the comfort of our favourite armchair.
His appreciation of the beauty and the dangers of the Antarctic were exquisitely drawn in this account of epic journeys both shared and later alone. I revelled at his successes and smiled as he reached each figurative milestone rewarding himself with a clean pair of socks and a chocolate pudding - the little things that meant so much and spoke volumes. What I liked most was that despite having achieved so much the author came across as remarkably humble and unaffected, someone you could share a beer with and enjoy doing so.
Totally recommended and I enjoyed this so much I've added his late friend and mentor Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley's book to my reading list.
His appreciation of the beauty and the dangers of the Antarctic were exquisitely drawn in this account of epic journeys both shared and later alone. I revelled at his successes and smiled as he reached each figurative milestone rewarding himself with a clean pair of socks and a chocolate pudding - the little things that meant so much and spoke volumes. What I liked most was that despite having achieved so much the author came across as remarkably humble and unaffected, someone you could share a beer with and enjoy doing so.
Totally recommended and I enjoyed this so much I've added his late friend and mentor Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley's book to my reading list.
February 7, 2021
For better or for worse, it reads as though the career military man is telling you a story.
It may be slow at times, as you nod your head along and wait for the good part. It has less poetry and eloquence, but also less sign of editing and ghostwriting of his polar compatriot Colin O'Brady. Note that it does not delve so deeply into the drama of the impromptu "race" between the two explorers. It does provide counter perspective and context however, which is refreshing.
The expedition tales are riveting, and the book dives into all three Antarctic Expeditions of his and shorter endeavors in preparation. Rudd holds his cards close to his chest, and you get less direct insight into his psyche, but perhaps that is to be expected of a humble English military man. What I wouldn't give to hear the deeper story, but I reckon that is one reserved for very few souls.
All in all, this is an authentic telling of tales from a deservingly respected man. It is worth a read, especially to any interested in polar exploration, or the practice of solitude.
It may be slow at times, as you nod your head along and wait for the good part. It has less poetry and eloquence, but also less sign of editing and ghostwriting of his polar compatriot Colin O'Brady. Note that it does not delve so deeply into the drama of the impromptu "race" between the two explorers. It does provide counter perspective and context however, which is refreshing.
The expedition tales are riveting, and the book dives into all three Antarctic Expeditions of his and shorter endeavors in preparation. Rudd holds his cards close to his chest, and you get less direct insight into his psyche, but perhaps that is to be expected of a humble English military man. What I wouldn't give to hear the deeper story, but I reckon that is one reserved for very few souls.
All in all, this is an authentic telling of tales from a deservingly respected man. It is worth a read, especially to any interested in polar exploration, or the practice of solitude.
June 11, 2021
I'm fascinated by polar expedition stories, we all have heard of Robert Scott, Ernest Shackleton and Henry Worsley. After following Colin O'bardy for years and listening to his book, The Impossible First: From Fire to Ice—Crossing Antarctica Alone, I was eager to listen to the second participant of the polar "race" story, hence this book. Captain Louis Rudd doesn't cover much of the personal aspects of his explorations. Except for the "race", he always emphasizes on the moral, value and importance of working as a group and endurance. Nevertheless, this is a great autobiography.
February 15, 2023
Super easy to read. Small sentences.
After reading Colin O'Brady's "The Impossible First", had to compare 'notes' on each others experiences on the ice, and how they saw the continent from each others perspective.
Just flows; superb little autobiography of ones life. Starting from childhood, life in the army, ending with the crossings of Antarctica. A lot of kindness and patience coming from Rudd's experiences.
Would have loved maps and markers of the adventures taken that have been stated within the book.
Would like to read further Antarctica adventures written by Louis Rudd. Great job :)
After reading Colin O'Brady's "The Impossible First", had to compare 'notes' on each others experiences on the ice, and how they saw the continent from each others perspective.
Just flows; superb little autobiography of ones life. Starting from childhood, life in the army, ending with the crossings of Antarctica. A lot of kindness and patience coming from Rudd's experiences.
Would have loved maps and markers of the adventures taken that have been stated within the book.
Would like to read further Antarctica adventures written by Louis Rudd. Great job :)
October 3, 2021
Finally got to read this... Had the privilege of tagging along with Lou on a short stint of whiteout-wrapped Iceland training, years ago. I was part of team Shackleton - a total novice, who had no experiential business being out in those conditions. Felt totally safe under his calm, commanding watch. This is a great book and it gives testimony to the grit, patience and overall kindness of a very inspiring individual.
July 17, 2025
Captain Rudd's story was captivating, I found myself equally if not even more curious about his time in SAS than the polar trips. It is refreshing to hear from a person who always knows what he wants, works hard for it and does not second guess himself. A lovely follow up to the other book Endurance about Shackleton's trip.
September 17, 2021
Absolutely fantastic. The motivation and dedication Louis Rudd has is admirable. This book just shows the dedication and drive someone can hold and how he remains so humble throughout the whole thing. Amazing.
December 25, 2021
Ex military myself so cannot avoid being flattered and in ore of this complete super human, legend of a man. His work reverbirates that very zeitgeist feel of early polar exploration and its timely report echoes in the footsteps of Scott and Shaklton. It's an honour to read.
August 17, 2022
Excellent book. A worthy read and one that will inspire you to move aaay from your sofa and live life for all it's worth. Loved this book and devoured it. Louis Rudd is a true adventurer and explorer. You will not be disappointed.
June 3, 2025
Great account of polar expeditions and the tough mental state you need to be in. Just wish it was longer and a little more in depth as far as the prep work goes. Overall great book and a must read for anyone trying to do a polar expedition.
July 22, 2020
An amazingly enjoyable book and account of various expeditions across Antarctica.
August 16, 2020
Enjoyable read
June 30, 2021
Fantastic! Read this way before you read “The Impossible First” by Colin O’Brady. This guy is a true man.
December 20, 2021
Superb
A superb account from a Hubble but amazing soldier and adventurer. Quite different to what I was expecting. But very engaging and illuminating.
A superb account from a Hubble but amazing soldier and adventurer. Quite different to what I was expecting. But very engaging and illuminating.
July 14, 2022
Fantastic story of perseverance and leadership
January 16, 2025
An excellent book which is well written and laid out.
Amazing experiences in Antarctica documented in vivid detail by the author. Legendary solo achievements which are hard to comprehend.
Amazing experiences in Antarctica documented in vivid detail by the author. Legendary solo achievements which are hard to comprehend.
April 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! A story of never giving up, doing what’s right and hard work. Interspersed with sadness and tragedy, beautifully told and a fitting tribute to lost friends.
Lou Rudd comes across as an honorable gentleman and I’d love to hear more about his life and adventures.
Lou Rudd comes across as an honorable gentleman and I’d love to hear more about his life and adventures.
July 27, 2020
Thrilling encounter written in an honest and readable style.
I heard about this book on a book review on Radio New Zealand. I was captivated from the very first paragraph.
I heard about this book on a book review on Radio New Zealand. I was captivated from the very first paragraph.
December 28, 2023
An enjoyable read. The storytelling, between his military background and personal expeditions, was well balanced.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews