In 1922 a journalist commented on British tenacity to General Bruce, leader of the British Everest Expedition. Bruce replied with a single word: 'Shackleton'. Ernest Shackleton is one of history's great explorers, an extraordinary Edwardian character who pioneered the path to the South Pole and became a leading figure in Antarctic discovery. His incredible adventures on four expeditions to the Antarctic have captivated generations. A restless adventurer from an Irish background, he joined the Empire's last great endeavour of exploration to reach the South Pole with Scott on the Discovery expedition. A clash with Scott led to Shackleton being ordered home and a bitter feud. This comprehensive biography brings a fresh perspective to the heroic age of Polar exploration dominated by Shackleton's complex, compelling and enduringly fascinating story.