Ernest Shackleton was a genuine hero. We have a contemporary opinion from Sir Raymond Priestley (1886 – 1974), who was a British geologist and Antarctic explorer. Priestley actually went on Shackleton’s expedition of 1907 – 1909. A paraphrase of his judgement is printed on my favourite T-shirt:
“For scientific leadership, give me Scott; for swift and efficient travel, Amundsen; but when you are in a hopeless situation, when there seems to be no way out, get down on your knees and pray for Shackleton.”
Follow the link to read Ernest Shackleton’s own account of his expeditions to Antarctica.
Read more about Shackleton.