In Shackleton's Wake
By Arved Fuchs
Translated by Martin Sokolinsky
224 pp. 3 b&w and 25 color photos. October 2001. Hardcover. $24.95
ISBN 1 57409 138 7
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A tiny wooden boat fights against a storm in the icy Weddell Sea. On board, four tired and tense sailors shiver, wondering reluctantly at their uncertain future. As they strain to see through violent flurries, their drinking water drains away through a leak in its tank...
This drama, played out in the year 2000, deliberately mirrors another that took place in 1914. The huddled sailors are following in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton, who in 1914 embarked with a crew of 27 to explore Antarctica. Their ship, the ENDURANCE, got stuck in the ice and eventually sank. After two years, many hardships, and a truly heroic effort, Shackleton finally managed to save his crew. The modern reenactment of that journey begins in a replica of the famous lifeboat JAMES CAIRD and then continues with the brutal ordeal of crossing South Georgia on foot.
The ambitious expedition required meticulous planning, exceptional courage, and superhuman endurance. Spectacular color photos illustrate this exciting story.
“A worthwhile addition to any collection of true sea adventures.” —Booklist
“…a true story of a very great adventure into the past and present.” —Latitudes & Attitudes
“…[a] gripping account…” —Classic Boat
“This book's a keeper. It is full of interesting facts and information, told in a very readable style” —Good Old Boat
“…a fine adventure story…” —Sailing & Yachting (SA)
“”a fast and enjoyable read…” —Journal for Maritime Research
“With his book and stunning pictures, Fuchs allows the reader to live through these harrowing weeks… The four, who came in from the cold, accomplished the impossible. Shackleton would have been proud of them.” —Fraenkische Nachrichten
“Shackleton's adventure turned him into a national hero. Fuchs's reenactment turned him into the author of a very good book.” —TAZ Hamburg
- See what else the press has to say: Reviews
- To read a selection from this title, please visit our Excerpts page.
About the Author:
Arved Fuchs is a German sailor and adventurer who has made several expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. In 2000, he set out to recreate the dramatic journey of Sir Ernest Shackleton.