Sir Ernest Shackleton-expedition leader

Sir Ernest Shackleton organized an ambitious, daring expedition to the Antarctic in order to traverse it using dogs and skis.."From the sentimental point of view," he wrote, "it is the last great Polar journey that can be made.... There now remains the largest and most striking of all journeys-the crossing of the Continent." He was handsome, fearless optimistic, and was considered by all to possess a romantic point of view that allowed him to embrace a challenge with courage and grace. Shackleton was the last explorer of the Heroic Age of exploration and one of history's exemplary leaders. He was 40 years old, Anglo-Irish, and the son of a physician.

Frank Hurley-expedition photographer

Respected for his many skills including photography, Frank Hurley had a pompous streak born from confidence and fearlessness. Gritty, energetic and enthusiastic, and extraordinarily fit, this rugged Australian shunned hat and gloves when he photographed-despite the extreme cold. When the glass plates began to sink along with the pack-ice battered Endurance, he stripped to the waist and dove into the frigid water to salvage them.

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