The James Caird is an unlikely hero, a 23-foot lifeboat that completed the most desperate and celebrated open boat voyage in history. On board were Ernest Shackleton, Tom Crean and Frank Worsley, now some of the most recognised names in Antarctic and Polar literature/history. This is the story of that little boat from its commissioning by Worsley to its dramatic escape from Antarctica to its final resting place at Dulwich College in the UK. Shackleton's Boat is a worthy memorial to a vessel famous in maritime history, and a story whose heroism has inspired generations.
Harding McGregor Dunnett (1909-2000) grew up mainly in South London. He was a pupil at Dulwich College when the boat first arrived there. His interest continued throughout the years and, besides writing this book, it led him to found The James Caird Society to perpetuate the memory of Shackleton's heroic days and the boat which served him so well.
Roderic Dunnett, Harding's son, is a British journalist specialising in the Arts and Travel. He has written extensively for The Independent, New Statesman, Stage, Oldie and Opera Now, but also for The Strad, The Spectator, FT, The Scotsman, BBC Music Magazine, Welsh National Opera, the Royal Opera and Opera North.