Non-fiction: Caroline Alexander: Endurance (Otava 1998/1999)
This is the book that launched the turn-of-the-millennium Shackleton craze. This is at least the fifth time I see or read the story in some form or another, soI was prepared to be bored. The writing is engaging, however, and the photos are used very well. In the interests of narrative flow and focus, Alexander has left the supporting Aurora party almost completely out of the narrative. The Aurora story is not one of Shackleton’s brightest moments, and gives the lie to the usual claim that he never lost a man on an expedition.
This is a good choice if you want to read just one book about Antarctica.