After reading the text, do you think that Shackleton's expedition could have accomplished a trans-polar sledging expedition given their equipment and state of readiness? In retrospect, what additional equipment should have the expedition taken?

How do you think the expedition was thought of 'back home' in England, in the midst of World War I?

On one occasion Shackleton refused to allow his men to bring in a few seals that they had shot earlier in the day—he considered their retrieval too risky due to the conditions on the ice. Several weeks later, facing severely restricted rations, many of the men thought Shackleton's decision to have been foolish or incorrect. In retrospect, do you think Shackleton made the right decision?

After reading the book, would you like to visit places like Elephant Island and South Georgia Island? Do you find them to be...