The Last Days of Ernest Shackleton

Reviewed by Steve Wroe ex British Antarctic Survey; So much has been written about the life and times of Earnest Shackleton that it comes as a surprise when a new book is published that sheds new information about him. The Last Days of Ernest Shackleton is such a book. The account, by George Ross, differs from other books in a number of ways. Ross gives his narrative from the perspective of someone who was working as a member of the crew on Shackleton's last trip to South Georgia. Ross (The narrator) joined the ship and worked as a 'Donkeyman' which entailed working in the engine room of the ship (arguably the worst place to work). Prior to this, Ross held a number of jobs including lumberjack. Ross's narrative is written in his own words which ensures a clear 'easy' style making the book a very enjoyable read. This book is enhanced by the inclusion of anecdotes and the minutiae of detail which could only come from someone who was there at the time, which makes this book different from many others and brings this book alive. Shackleton's earlier life is also brought into focus and particularly his interest and enthusiasm for the early Boy Scout Movement under Baden Powell. Shackleton recognised, along with Baden Powell, the value of instilling the Scout Movement ethos in youth and supported this early movement. In fact, such was Shackleton's commitment to the principles of the Scout Movement that he held a competition amongst 1700 Scouts for a chance to join Shackleton as his cabin boy. This number was whittled down to two and eventually James Marr from Aberdeen was to sail throughout the voyage. This story has an ironic twist as Marr later made several trips to the Antarctic as a marine biologist and was later instrumental in setting up the British Antarctic Survey. In support of the written narrative, the book contains a wealth of supporting information. This takes the form of photographs, maps and also hand drawn pictures and paintings, many of which were produced at the time. What I found to be particularly poignant was the description of Shackleton's funeral and the level of detail with regards the information about the pallbearers (all from the Shetland Islands). I also found the inclusion of an interview with Shackleton of interest as are the text of speeches made in commemoration of Shackleton. Also in the book is included a clipping from a newspaper of the time, describing how Shackleton died in the arms of Ross. All of these pieces of information pull together to make for a 'package' creating a fascinating human insight into a great man. In summary, this book is a cornucopia of information of the kind that brings to life the final days of who is probably the most enigmatic figure of the 'Heroic era' of Polar exploration. Anybody with an interest in Shackleton or polar exploration will find this book a fascinating read