Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage

by Alfred Lansing
Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Adventure
Technical
  • ID: 113
  • Added: 2025-09-02
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780297643562
  • Published: 1999-07-01
  • Reviews: 4

In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew of 27 men embarked on an ambitious journey to cross the Antarctic overland aboard the ship Endurance. Their expedition took a dramatic turn when the ship became trapped and eventually crushed in ice, leaving the men stranded on the treacherous ice packs of the South Atlantic. Based on firsthand accounts and interviews with survivors, this book vividly describes the crew's struggle to endure the harshest conditions imaginable, including attacks by sea leopards, the heartbreaking decision to kill their dogs, and the development of severe diseases among the men. /n/nThe story highlights the extraordinary determination and camaraderie of the crew as they faced 17 months of hardship on the ice before finally reaching land. Shackleton's leadership and the men's unwavering civility towards one another in the face of adversity make this a compelling narrative of human endurance and the indomitable spirit of adventure.

Reviews
app.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-09-18
inspiring 4.50

The reviewer found 'Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage' to be a deeply inspiring account of survival and human resilience. They admired the vivid portrayal of the crew's struggles and the psychological depth of the narrative, making it a profound exploration of the human spirit.

The reviewer was drawn to 'Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage' for its timely winter read and intriguing cover. They expected a survival story but were left with a deep sense of admiration and inspiration. The book vividly portrays the resilience, courage, and resourcefulness of Shackleton and his crew, who faced unimaginable challenges in the Antarctic. The reviewer was captivated by the detailed account of the crew's psychological and emotional trials, as well as the tactile and gritty experience provided by the expedition photos. They highly recommend the book for its profound exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Quick quotes

    This saga of survival showcases what the human spirit is capable of amid extraordinary challenges.

    The portrayal of the psychological and emotional toll that the expedition took on the crew was skillfully written.

    I cannot recommend this book enough. Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage is not merely a tale of survival; it is a profound exploration of the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.

reddit.com · Unknown · 2025-09-18
inspiring 4.50

The reviewer found 'Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage' by Alfred Lansing to be a gripping and inspiring account of Shackleton's leadership and the crew's resilience. The book is praised for its detailed and engaging narrative, making it a must-read for those interested in adventure and history.

The reviewer highly recommends 'Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage' for its compelling storytelling and insight into Shackleton's leadership. The book vividly captures the harrowing journey and the incredible resilience of the crew, making it a captivating read. The reviewer appreciates the detailed narrative that brings the story to life, highlighting the human spirit and the power of perseverance. This book is not just a historical account but also a testament to the strength of the human will in the face of adversity.

Quick quotes

    The reviewer found the book to be a gripping and inspiring account.

    The narrative is detailed and engaging, making it a must-read.

    The book vividly captures the harrowing journey and the incredible resilience of the crew.

hmu.edu · Unknown · 2025-06-06
fascinating 3.50

The reviewer praises Alfred Lansing's prose but criticizes the pacing, finding the middle section repetitive. Despite this, they highlight the book's fascinating account of survival, courage, and camaraderie, recommending it overall. The reviewer appreciates the last 20% of the book the most, which they find particularly engaging.

The reviewer finds Alfred Lansing's writing excellent but notes significant issues with pacing, particularly in the middle section of the book. They describe the repetitive nature of the crew's daily activities on the ice as dragging the narrative down. However, the reviewer acknowledges the book's compelling portrayal of survival, courage, and the human spirit, especially in the final 20%. They believe the story is fascinating and still recommend it despite the pacing issues. The reviewer appreciates the detailed account of the crew's experiences and the modern feel of the writing, which they find engaging and well-told.

Quick quotes

    Alfred Lansing’s prose is excellent, but he has serious issues with pacing.

    Everything else was very interesting, though — the last 20% especially.

    I still recommend it, whatever my complaints.

yourchurch.com · Unknown · 2024-04-02
fantastic 5.00

The reviewer found the story of the Endurance expedition, as told by Alfred Lansing, to be the most incredible maritime adventure they've read. They highlight Shackleton's leadership and the crew's resilience, noting that the book's factual account is even more astonishing than fiction. The reviewer praises Lansing's precise and methodical storytelling, which brings the epic events to life without exaggeration.

The reviewer is captivated by the story of the Endurance expedition, describing it as the most incredible maritime adventure they've encountered. The premise alone—28 men stranded on Antarctic ice—is shocking, but the reality of their survival is even more astonishing. Shackleton's leadership and the crew's resilience are particularly highlighted, with the reviewer noting that the crew's self-rescue is a testament to their determination and skill. The reviewer also appreciates Lansing's meticulous research and precise storytelling, which presents the facts in a compelling yet understated manner. The book's ability to convey the epic nature of the events without resorting to hyperbole is commended, making it a fantastic read.

Quick quotes

    The original expedition failed, but what followed the capture of Endurance (never was the name of a ship more prophetic) by the Antarctic ice borders on the impossible, if not the miraculous.

    Every moment of this story feels like an epic, fictional movie, but it’s not. It is reality as experienced firsthand by actual human beings.

    Alfred Lansing has reconstructed all these events with great care, drawing mainly on the many diaries kept by the crew, Shackleton himself included, and interviewing the few survivors still alive.

Appears in Lists