This is an outstanding very short survey of the major accomplishments of Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton, whose few shortcomings are necessitated by the goal of brevity. Dr. Baughman is a distinguished scholar in Antarctic history who has written this book for those of us who are not historians, don't have the time to invest in a 600 page biography, but have a curiosity about what really happened out there on the ice that resulted in Shackleton's reputation both as explorer and as ideal leader.

The core of the book are accurate and gripping descriptions of both the Nimrod and Endurance expeditions. Both times Shackleton was faced with having to make heroic decisions in favor of the welfare of his men. His ability to make those decisions against his own strong desires for personal fame and glory is what makes Shackleton of such interest today and a model for many.

The tales of what happened in the Antarctic are what this book is about. To understand the human and flawed man it is necessary for Dr. Baughman to sketch Shackleton's life before the Nimrod expedition and between the Nimrod and Endurance voyages. In order to achieve his goal of a book that can be easily read on an airplane trip across the country he has had to cover these areas of Shackleton's life very briefly, and I wish there had been more detail. However, having been primed by this book, perhaps many readers will decide they want to tackle a 600 page biography!

Finally, the book layout is very utilitarian. There are photographs on the front and back cover, and maps on the insides of the cover, but otherwise the book is 86 pages of text (plus a short introduction, etc.). This fits the goal of a book to be read in a couple of hours, and the type font, although prosaic, is large enough to read even if your plane is experiencing turbulence.

In conclusion, I know of no other book on Shackleton which is designed to fill this niche in the market...those who want a brief but accurate account of the central events in Shackleton's expeditions...and Baughman's book does an excellent job in accomplishing this purpose.

There's a Shackleton mania going on these days. Witness all the new books and reissues of old books to be found on websites and booksellers' shelves. We all love a real hero. Most books available nowadays, however, are focussed only on the famous Endurance expedition, or they are weighty biographical tomes that won't appeal to the majority of readers.

Enter Baughman's "Shackleton of the Antarctic." This new book is the only one that gives the reader a complete overview of Shackleton--the man, his life, his expeditions--in such a concise manner that you can read the account start to finish in one evening at home, or on a flight from O'Hare to JFK. And all this from an author who knows what he is talking about. Baughman is a professional historian who adores the Antarctic. He has written two acclaimed histories and is a regular cruise lecturer. Most important, Baughman is a careful writer and is respected by his colleagues. You can trust what he says.

So if you are intrigued by all you've been hearing about this man named Shackleton, and you want to read about him for yourself and be inspired at the same time without making a time commitment of, say, the entire month of November, "Shackleton of the Antarctic" is for you. Highly recommended.

I have read Shackleton's account of his famous Endurance journey, but, let's face it, it can be too cumbersome for those with only a passing interest. Baughman's book provides a delightful overview of Shackelton's polar journeys. It is the perfect size and length to pack and read on a day trip and is also a great tool to pass on to friends or colleagues in the hopes of sparking their interest in Antarctic exploration.

T. H. Baughman's Before the Heroes Came (Antartica in the 1890's) is an important look at the era before the Heroic Age of Scott, Amundsen, and Shackleton. This very slim volume shows the build-up of interest in the Antartic and the politican and scientific forces coming together to propel both the noble and the foolish onto the triumph and tragedy that was the Antarctic after the turn of the century. This book is essential for those with a passion for this frozen land but will leave those looking for another arctic adventure story a little cold. The writing can be a little dry at times and the procession of scientists and sailors whirl by a little too quickly. But for those who want to fully understand man's need to explore the Antarctic, this book will prove essential.

This is a great book, trust me. The Kirkus review is right in giving Baughman praise for his work. Baughman's reasearch is exact and through. The writing style is informative, but is done in a enjoyable narrative that makes the book easy to read. Having studied under Dr. Baughman ( I already got my degree so this ain't puffery) and taken an Antarctic history class from him, I can honestly say that this book is a useful tome for all interested in exploration and students of history alike.

This book presents a fresh and reasoned assessment of Scott's first Antarctic expedition in its historical context. Engagingly written and well researched, its perspective casts an interesting light on aspects of Scott's first Antarctic expedition that have been passed over in general works on Scott in favor of the drama of the second expedition. The first expedition had ample drama of its own, and the author's take on such personalities as Clements Markham, Shackleton, and Scott himself is different enough from "standard received" to merit reading. I was particularly interested in the author's description of the interplay between Scott's orders as he received them and perceived them and subsequent criticism of the expedition for its failure to maximize the results obtained for the resources invested.

All in all, readable, informative, interesting, and well worth a read. You will find the point of view rather different from that so persuasively presented by Roland Huntford in his recently re-released "Scott and Amundsen," but partisanship -- if so strong a term may be used -- intrudes only occasionally, and then only in instances in which the author feels unfair misrepresentation may have done violence to the historical record.

I enjoyed this book!

Dr. Baughman continues to build on his reputation as America's preeminent polar historian in this book: Pilgrims on Ice (his first book on early Antartic exploration was Before the Heroes Came). This book focues on Robert Scott and the Discovery Expedition 1901 to 1904. By reading Dr. Baughman's work - one can see that this initial expedition laid the groundwork for the British expeditions of the following 21 years. In fact, the major players all played a part in this initial expedition. This voyage was Shackleton's first expedition to the South (serving as Scott's third officer). And I enjoyed the new insights Baughman provided into the young Shackleton, as well as the human details on expedition leader Scott and the rest of band. In its 250-odd pages of text, this becomes the first exhaustive account of the Discovery expedition 1901 to 1904 by a late 20th century polar historian. Baughman's extensive use of original documents in British and European archives brings fresh insight and more details on this heroic group then ever before available. I recommend this for lovers of travel, adventure, and biography.