We only list books which we recommend, and we try to provide a helpful & concise oversight of all the books we have listed below.


Michael SMITH (2014).

Shackleton: By Endurance We Conquer.

Oneworld Publications (USA, UK).   A recent publication, reviewed here by the Irish Times, November 2014.


Jim MAYER 2014).

Shackleton A Life In Poetry.

Signal Books Oxford, UK.  This is an extremely interesting work on a very important part of Shackleton's character.


US Version

US Version

UK Version

UK Version

Caroline ALEXANDER (1998).

The Endurance : Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition.

Knopf (USA), Bloomsbury(UK). This is an excellent book, a very lively and well-researched text with the most comprehensive collection of Hurley's extraordinary photographs ever published. Now Available in Paperback


Margot MORRELL & Stephanie CAPPARELL (2001).

Shackleton's Way : Leadership Lessons From The Great Antarctic Explorer

A good analysis from a modern business viewpoint of what made Ernest Shackleton such an outstanding leader.


US Version

US Version

UK Version

UK Version

Roland HUNTFORD (1985 and 1998).

Shackleton.

Hodder and Stoughton and Atheneum. A very wide-ranging biography of Shackleton,obviously written by an admirer of his. Very comprehensive. Available in Paperback.


US Version

US Version

UK Version

UK Version

Alfred LANSING (1959) and 16th printing 1997 by Carroll and Graf (US).

Endurance. Shackleton's Incredible Voyage.

A great account of this extraordinary journey.  Available in paperback.


US Version

US Version

UK Version

UK Version

ERNEST SHACKLETON (1909)

Heart of the Antarctic. 2 vols. Heinemann.

Now available in One Volume Paperback published in UK by Robinson Publishing and US Carroll & Graff.  It is unfortunate that there is an illustration of the Endurance on the cover of this book which is about the earlier Nimrod Expedition.

Account of Shackleton's attempt to reach the South Pole in 1907-1909 in which he reached 97 miles from the Pole -closer than anybody else at this time.  This was a remarkable pioneering achievement often overshadowed by the later saga of the 'Endurance' expedition. Available in Penguin Paperback.


Frank WORSLEY(1931) and (1977) by Norton (USA) and available as paperback UK as

Shackleton's Boat Journey (1999) - introduction by Sara Wheeler by Pimlico £10. 

Shackleton's Incredible Boat Journey. ( US edition ) .

Worsley was a vital crew member in the "James Caird" on the trip from Elephant Island to South Georgia. An excellent account.


Kim HEACOX (1999)

Shackleton the Antarctic Challenge

Published by National Geographic(US) $35.- 

An interesting book but rather expensive - about Shackleton's life as an explorer.  With a foreword by his Granddaughter Alexandra Shackleton


US Version

US Version

UK Version

UK Version

Ernest SHACKLETON (1919)

SOUTH

and 1998 reprint of by Lyons Press(USA) and 1999 by Robinson Books, London.  Also now available , appropriately, as a Penguin paperback.  

Shackleton's own account of his "Endurance"expedition.


Produced by Robert Burton

Shackleton At South Georgia

A booklet produced to raise funds for the restoration of the whaling managers villa at Stromness on South Georgia, where Shackleton, Worsley and Crean completed their historic crossing of the island in 1916. An excellent publication for an excellent cause.  To order please send 5 euros ( £3.50 stg) to Jonathan Shackleton, Lakeview House, Mullagh, Via Kells, Co.Cavan, Rep. Of Ireland. This includes P&P. Please allow 14 days for delivery.


Harding McG. DUNNETT (1996 )

Shackleton's Boat- the Story of the 'James Caird'.

Neville and Harding.  This book traces the complete history of the "James Caird" the 23 foot ship's boat which played the most vital role in the history of survival in the Antarctic exploration.


Margery and James FISHER (1957)

Shackleton.

James Barrie, London.Out of print. This is still the best and most sensible biography of Shackleton.


US Version

US Version

UK Version

UK Version

Gavin MORTIMER (1999)

Shackleton and the Antarctic Explorers

Published by Carlton Books (UK) 128 pp. A nicely illustrated introduction to the main figures of the heroic age of Antarctic exploration and their exploits. Now available in paperback.


US Version

US Version

UK Version

UK Version

Michael Smith (2000)

An Unsung Hero Tom Crean - Antarctic Survivor

Published by Collins Press, Wilton,Cork (IRL). 341pp. , 30 bw photos , 5 maps. A great tribute to a remarkable man from humble beginnings in County Kerry who travelled with both Scott and Shackleton to the Antarctic serving both with great distinction, showing enormous physical and mental courage blended with his optimism and good humour.  Now available in paperback.