- The Shackleton Experience will publish Cherry Pickings by Hugh Turner.
- The book draws on a collection of Cherry-Garrard’s papers, letters and photographs.
- It launches at the Shackleton Autumn School in Athy on 16 October.
- Cherry-Garrard was assistant zoologist on the Terra Nova Expedition.
- The book is published in limited-edition hardback and paperback.
The Shackleton Experience, Athy, has confirmed plans to publish a new book offering a rare insight into the life and legacy of Antarctic explorer Apsley Cherry-Garrard. The book, titled Cherry Pickings, is written by Cherry-Garrard’s nephew Hugh Turner. It will launch at the Shackleton Autumn School in Athy on 16 October.
The Terra Nova Expedition saw Scott’s men race against Norway’s Roald Amundsen to become the first to reach the South Pole. Amundsen and his crew won the race. The expedition ended in tragedy with Captain Scott and four members of his team dying on their return journey. Cherry-Garrard, assistant zoologist on the expedition, survived the trip and later wrote The Worst Journey in the World, first published in 1922.
Hugh Turner is the custodian of an extensive collection of books, photographs, letters and personal papers inherited from his uncle. Among the collection are Cherry-Garrard’s own books, many containing his handwritten annotations. The book is being designed by Karen Carty of Anú Design and will be published in two editions, a limited-edition signed hardback and a paperback trade edition.
Hugh Turner shared “I am so pleased that the publication of ‘Cherry Pickings’ has given me the opportunity to share some rare Antarctic gems. It was the invitation to speak at the 2023 Shackleton Autumn School that opened my eyes to the enormous interest which still exists in the classic age of Antarctic exploration, to which my Uncle Cherry contributed, both as expedition member and author.”
Aline FitzGerald shared “We are absolutely delighted to be publishing Cherry Pickings as the first book from The Shackleton Experience. This is a hugely important piece of work that brings together a remarkable collection of material and offers a fascinating new insight into Apsley Cherry-Garrard, his experiences in Antarctica and the lasting impact the Terra Nova Expedition had on his life.”
