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South: A Memoir of the Endurance Voyage Audiobook
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(4.00) - 1,975 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
In 1911, veteran explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton set out to lead the first expedition across Antarctica, the last unknown continent. Instead, his ship, the Endurance, became locked in sea ice, and for nine months, Shackleton fought a losing battle with the elements before the drifting ship was crushed, marooning him and his crew.
This gripping first-hand account follows Shackleton and his men on their harrowing journey back to civilization: over 600 miles of unstable ice floes on foot, 850 miles of the worst seas in an open 22-foot boat, and then 20 miles of mountainous terrain to reach the nearest outpost of civilization.
An astonishing story that explores the limits of human courage, Shackleton’s South ranks among history’s greatest adventures.
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"I found this really gripping partly because the privations the mend went through are so understated, very "stiff upper lip". The other stand out thing was they way in those days they relied on being able to eat the wildlife as well as study it, I am certain any new species would have been "taste tested" as well as catalogued. It is a pity more isn't made of Shackleton's leadership and the way he "saved" the expedition."
— Patrick (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew make today’s high-tech adventurers look like dilettantes…One of the most harrowing survival stories of all time.”
— Sebastian Junger, New York Times bestselling author of The Perfect Storm and War -
“One of the great adventure stories…a rousing read.”
— New York Times -
“Geoffrey Howard’s splendid rendition conveys the genuine drama of the story without succumbing to false dramatics. His Shackleton has a deep-voiced charm; he is witty, calm and, most important, masterly in a crisis. In short, Howard’s Shackleton sounds exactly as we imagine an explorer should sound.”
— AudioFile -
“Howard’s reading conveys both the urgency and the hope as Shackleton makes decisions on cutting rations and killing dogs, where to camp and when to press on.”
— Kliatt
South Listener Reviews
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" Most suspenseful and true story ever told. "
— Gina G, 9/12/2023 -
" You would never have thought that one of the greatest adventure stories of all time could be written about in such a dull way. Has about as much interest as the Antarctic landscape through which he and his men were passing. "
— Tom, 2/18/2014 -
" The story of Sir Ernest Shakleton's 1914 Trans-Antarctic Expedition as told by Shackleton himself; in a concise but detailed style, as a transcript of events which were being recorded for posterity. "
— Curtiss, 2/17/2014 -
" Probably one of the most enduring accounts on polar exploration. Shackleton's pragmatism reflects all over this. I picked this book from a second hand book store. The story is a great one, though the writing can get a little monotonous. I respect the author for the fact that these notes were written in smitten cold without food and water and not in a cozy corner coffee shop. "
— Balaji, 2/14/2014 -
" On Daddy's recommendation - a slow start, exciting middle, and now I'm almost done. "
— Denise, 1/30/2014 -
" Are you going on a cruise? Possibly to Antarctica? Then you should download the audio book 'South' , listen to it while passing icebergs and sipping a hot tea. "
— Jasmin, 1/30/2014 -
" not really my sort of book, but a really good account, well put together, interesting and you learn a lot! "
— Alice, 1/15/2014 -
" Interesting in parts, and incredibly dry in many others "
— Amy, 12/21/2013 -
" Best book I've read this year. "
— Laura, 12/8/2013 -
" Read this one too! Shackleton's own account! "
— Jenny, 12/7/2013 -
" The captain's account of the Endurance expedition to Antarctica in 1914. A great book; a great man. "
— Monica, 11/21/2013 -
" God I love this - the minutiae of Shackleton's ill-fated expedition to the Antarctic. Thrilling, emotional, and most of all COLD. And it's free on Kindle.... "
— Michael, 11/16/2013 -
" Interesting but a little long winded. Worth the read though "
— Karl, 11/11/2013 -
" Are you tough? Ernest Shackleton is tough! Wow!!! The things that these men went through and had to do were incredible, and he writes about it so matter-of-factly. Not changing your clothes or taking a bath for six months? I don't think so! "
— Lisa, 10/9/2013 -
" This reads like action fiction, but it's the true story straight from the man who experienced it. An excellent read. "
— Popvoid, 6/22/2013 -
" Made into IMAX film really good adventure story "
— Maria, 6/19/2012 -
" I thought this was interesting, but it was written like a log book, without a lot of non-technical details. But still good. "
— Bruce, 1/30/2012 -
" Excellent first hand account of one of the most harrowing survival stories ever. Gripping read!! "
— Del, 9/11/2011 -
" What can i say. The guy is my hero, my idol, my everything inspiring... "
— Paula, 7/30/2010 -
" Great first-hand account of Shackleton's ill-fated expedition to the Antarctic. He went in with 28 crewmen and, thanks to great leadership & survival skills, emerged from a 2+ year-long ordeal with everyone intact! "
— Chip, 2/15/2010 -
" An extraordinary adventure related in a matter-of-fact manner. I am amazed at the stamina and discipline of all involved. The book is definitely not a 'fast read' but very worthy of the time required to finish it. "
— Judith, 4/25/2009 -
" Wonderful read- Shackleton's journal - clear well written and shows how a fine leader handles a very difficult situation. "
— Jackie, 4/1/2007
About Ernest Shackleton
Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) was an Irish polar explorer who led three British expeditions to the Antarctic in the early twentieth century. He was a junior officer under Robert Falcon Scott during the 1901–1904 expedition to the South Pole. His expedition on the whaler Nimrod in 1907 earned him a knighthood. He detailed his adventures aboard the Endurance during the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1914–1917 in the memoir South.
About Geoffrey Howard
Geoffrey Howard (a.k.a. Ralph Cosham) was a stage actor and an award-winning narrator. He recorded more than 100 audiobooks in his lifetime and won the prestigious Audio Award for Best Narration and several AudioFile Earphones Awards.