I just finished, could not put it down, " Endurance" by Alfred Lansing. This is about Sir Ernest Shackleton and the story of the ill fated attempt to cross Antarctica in the early 1900's.

It gives all the details of the shipwreck, the time on the ice , the time on Elephant Island and the boat trip by Shackleton and others to South Georgia Island.

It was a gift from Mary Elain Sonksen for me to give to Brayden. I opened it to get a feel for the book and found I could not put it down. After being on the ZODIAC cruise in 1/2012 I could picture all that was being referred to. I would recommend it to all who have been to South Georgia and Antarctica. It can be obtained at Amazon books for a mere $3.73.

Upon refection I do not think I would have read it before the cruise. Just do not tend to read that kind of book. But after the cruise and learning more about Shackelton and being at the places being referred to, including Elephant Island, a unique experience, I was captured by this book and the story.

I have a much greater appreciation for why the historian lecturer, Peter Damisch, was so taken by Shackelton.

Had to share the experience of this book.

Ralph,

Thanks so much for your recommendation. I was reading "South" by Sir Ernst Shackleton before The Hunger Games trilogy grabbed me. South is a free Kindle book but found it very clinical and chronological, not much feeling as of yet. When I don't read books on my Kindle, I usually purchase the used Amazon books. There are copies of "Endurance" there for 54 cents plus $3.99 shipping. Not a bad deal. All the used books I've purchased have been brand new.

With all the experiences we had, I'm sure reading the book after our adventure will give us a better understanding and enjoyment of what we did and saw and, of course, Shackleton.

Peter does have such a passion for Shackleton. It was so evident in all his talks.


I had a delightful lunch yesterday with Linda & Chris Bailey in Durham. We had such fun discussing our ZODIAC trip and future adventures! It was so nice to see them.

I will add it to my list! Thanks for the recommendation Ralph

Ralph, I read that book years ago and found it fascinating and that is why I have wanted to go to South Georgia Island. Shortly before, the cruise, I looked all over our house for my copy to reread; no luck. It is probably worth investing a few bucks to get another copy.

I read "South" which was written by Shackleton prior to ZODIAC. The writing was rather dry but for me that was part of the fascination with him...how he could write so calmly and in such a matter of fact manner about what had to be a horrendous experience.
I'll give the other book a try now.