In 1921, a converted Norwegian sealer, Quest, carried the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton on what turned out to be his last expedition. How did this scheme come to be almost completely financed by my grandfather, John Quiller Rowett, whose rum had supplied the forces during World War 1? Was this wise business on Rowett’s part, a generous gesture of friendship or well-intended philanthropy? What were Shackleton’s real intentions for the venture and what happened in the leadership void after he had died? And why did the book of the expedition, Shackleton’s Last Voyage published in 1923, name Shackleton’s trusty right-hand man, Frank Wild, as the author, when in fact it was written chiefly by the ship’s surgeon, Dr Alexander Macklin?
There is more to uncover. Why did the up-and-coming Australian adventurer, George Hubert Wilkins, choose to go with Shackleton on the Quest, instead of joining the expedition of the Canadian explorer, Stefansson, or making polar flights with Amundsen? And why did Wilkins not put his name to the account of his natural history work on the expedition? Shackleton’s Last Voyage did not tell the whole story. Then there are other puzzles to be resolved such as why Quest’s seaplane – which would have been a polar first – never flew; and what really happened to Questie, the Daily Mail kitten and ship’s mascot?
The Quest expedition has long lain in the shadow of Shackleton’s other exploits. It is only fleetingly mentioned in the biographies of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Misconceptions and oversimplifications abound, such as with respect to the particular qualities of the ship, its preparation and equipment, and the plans and aims of the expedition. This account sets out the events that occurred before, during and after the voyage, told through the words of the protagonists with their letters, logs and diaries, many of which have not been previously published.
Limited Edition hardback published September 2022. Paperback published February 2023.
Praise for Quest Chronicle
“Revealing long ignored material from his family and other archives, Jan Chojecki’s masterfully researched investigation into the awkward silence surrounding his grandfather lays bare the agonising effort of Shackleton’s last expedition. A must read, for any polar pundit.” Dr David Wilson, FZS, polar historian and author of Nimrod Illustrated: Pictures from Lieutenant Shackleton's British Antarctic Expedition 1907-1909.
“No Shackleton library is complete without The Quest Chronicle. The assiduously researched Quest Chronicle reveals another perspective of the complex man that was Sir Ernest Shackleton. Not a different Shackleton, as such, for the stoicism, the bravery, the loyalty and the humour are still there, but so too is an element of quixotism. Throughout his life of exploration, Shackleton navigated a perilous course between triumph and misfortune, glory and tragedy. With The Quest Chronicle, more than any other account, we see the risks that such a journey entailed.” John Geiger, CEO Royal Canadian Geographical Society and internationally bestselling author.
“The Quest Chronicle is a vitally important book. Expertly researched and written by Jan Chojecki, the grandson of the gentleman who funded Shackleton’s Quest expedition, it fills a needed spot in Polar literature shattering the myths of this often under-appreciated expedition. Highly recommended to Polar enthusiasts around the world, and everyone seeking to understand Sir Ernest Shackleton.” Brad Borkan, FRGS, co-author of When Your Life Depends on It: Extreme decision making lessons from the Antarctic, and Audacious Goals, Remarkable Results: How an explorer, an engineer and a statesman shaped our modern world.
