torresini

This book is about the abortive trans-Antarctic expedition led by Ernest Shackleton between 1914-16. Alfred Lansing has written a well-researched account of the journey and the subsequent epic survival of all the men against all odds once the ship sinks deep in the Weddel sea. Shackeleton shows extraordinary leadership and courage in attempting an impossible 800-mile journey in the roughest oceans on a 22-foot boat to reach South Georgia island with five of his fellow men. In this, he is assisted by the tremendous navigating skills of Frank Worseley. Once safe, they go back to Elephant island to rescue the remainder of the crew. I have reviewed elsewhere the book of Caroline Alexander on the same subject. Between the two, Dr.Alexander's book is my favorite. Lansing's book contains an incident where one of the crew of Shackeleton is stalked by a sea-leopard while they were on the ice floes and the crew member narrowly escapes as the sea leopard attacks him. However, subsequently, the general conclusion on the incident by experts has been that there is no evidence to support its occurrence. Since I read the book after I read Alexander's brilliant book, I did not find it that appealing. Perhaps, I could have had a different opinion had I perhaps read this one first. If you are going to read one book on the subject, I would however, recommend Caroline Alexander's book rather than this one.

2022-11-14 16:28