In August 1914, days before the outbreak of the First World War, the renowned explorer Ernest Shackleton and a crew of twenty-seven set sail for the South Atlantic in pursuit of the last unclaimed prize in the history of exploration: the first crossing on foot of the Antarctic continent. Weaving a treacherous path through the freezing Weddell Sea, they had come within eighty-five miles of their destination when their ship, Endurance, was trapped fast in the ice pack. Soon the ship was crushed like matchwood, leaving the crew stranded on the floes. Their ordeal would last for twenty months, and they would make two near-fatal attempts to escape by open boat before their final rescue. Drawing upon previously unavailable sources, Caroline Alexander gives us a riveting account of Shackleton's expedition - one of history's greatest epics of survival. And she presents the astonishing work of Frank Hurley, the Australian photographer whose visual record of the adventure has never before been published comprehensively. Together, text and image re-create the terrible beauty of Antarctica, the awful destruction of the ship, and the crew's heroic daily struggle to stay alive, a miracle achieved largely through Shackleton's inspiring leadership.
Caroline Alexander Books
Caroline Alexander is an author whose work has appeared in leading literary and travel publications. Her writing often delves into profound human narratives and the exploration of remote, challenging environments. Alexander possesses a unique ability to bring historical events to life, offering readers an immersive journey into the past and the enduring spirit of human resilience.







In this passionate yet controlled memoir, a woman returns after more than half a century to the city of her birth. Hidden as a very young child in Belgium during World War II, she is one of the Jewish refugees the German city has invited for a reunion. In Paris, her new hometown, and in Mnchengladbach as a visitor, she searches for the lost past. The book ends on a hopeful note.
Mrs. Chippy's Last Expedition
- 176 pages
- 7 hours of reading
The narrative showcases a delightful blend of humor through the perspectives of both the cat and its owner. Their interactions are filled with wit and charm, creating an engaging atmosphere that resonates with readers. The storytelling captures the whimsical nature of their relationship, inviting laughter and enjoyment throughout the journey. This light-hearted exploration emphasizes the unique bond between pets and their humans, making it a joyful read for animal lovers.
One of the best survival stories illustrated with Frank Hurley s superb expedition photographs
The Bounty
- 512 pages
- 18 hours of reading
The bestselling author of The Endurance reveals the startling truth behind the legend of the Mutiny on the Bounty - the most famous sea story of all time. More than two centuries have passed since Fletcher Christian mutinied against Lt. Bligh on a small armed transport vessel called Bounty. Why the details of this obscure adventure at the end of the world remain vivid and enthralling is as intriguing as the truth behind the legend. Caroline Alexander focusses on the court martial of the ten mutineers captured in Tahiti and brought to justice in Portsmouth. Each figure emerges as a richly drawn character caught up in a drama that may well end on the gallows. With enormous scholarship and exquisitely drawn characters, The Bounty is a tour de force.
The War That Killed Achilles
The True Story of Homer's Iliad and the Trojan War
- 320 pages
- 12 hours of reading
The narrative captivates with its stunning twists and unexpected developments, keeping readers engaged throughout the journey. Each turn in the plot delivers fresh revelations, ensuring a thrilling experience that defies predictability. The writing style enhances the sense of wonder, making it a remarkable read that promises to leave a lasting impression.
Various empires have admired it as a book that in telling the story of the siege of Troy also extols the warrior ethic, and teaches the young how to die well.Yet the figure at the heart of the epic, the consummate warrior Achilles, is a brooding, controversial hero.
As a child, Caroline Alexander learnt Coleridge's poem "Kubla Khan". Many scholars have discussed the contemporary works that influenced him. In this book, a literary travel book, Alexander recounts her quest across three continents to discover the source of Coleridge's inspiration.
Of all the sea tales told down the ages, none has held its mystique so long as the mutiny on board HMS Bounty. Told through the trial of the ten mutineers, this narrative uses the language of the mutineers - rough, salty and piratical - to bring them alive in the text
Corruption and Fraud in Financial Markets
- 500 pages
- 18 hours of reading
"Apart from headline cases like the LIBOR scandal, financial market misconduct is actually prevalent in a surprisingly large number of firms. According to a study published in 2014, financial market misconduct and fraud affects about 15% of publicly listed companies each year; and a study published in 2008 claimed that it can cost between 20% and 38% of the company's value"-- Provided by publisher


