Icebound: Sir Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expedition of 1914-16 stands as an example of inspired leadership and displays the utter necessity, in times of crisis, of god's providence.

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Icebound: Sir Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expedition of 1914-16 stands as an example of inspired leadership and displays the utter necessity, in times of crisis, of god's providence.

Frank Worsley, his muscles tensed and his face etched in grim determination, tossed uncomfortably in his sleep. In his mind surreal images tormented him. Giant blocks of ice jostled and bucked their way down a flooded Burlington Street. The monstrous floes of ice menaced Worsley, who, in the insidious grip of his dream, saw himself at the wheel of a great ship, desperately trying to navigate the dangerous waters that filled the street.

The dream persisted through the night, or so it seemed, and Worsley woke in an unsettled mood. A veteran sailor and officer of the merchant marine, he harbored many of the superstitions common among the men of his trade. Thinking the dream a peculiar portent, he quickly dressed and made his way to the same Burlington Street that, the night before, had been beset by floes of ice.

In the daylight though, the street seemed in no way special. Despite the still-vivid memory of the dream, the decidedly normal aspect of Burlington Street nearly convinced Worsley that he had wasted valuable time that would have been better spent on more useful pursuits. He was, in fact, just about to retrace his steps when his eyes lighted on a sign hung on a doorpost. The sign read, "Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition," and it exerted an inexorable pull. Under its spell, Worsley turned into the building with a conviction that, in some strange way, it held a special importance to him. Upon entering, he was greeted by a burly Irishman, whose steady, intent gaze and commanding demeanor immediately impressed. The man was Sir Ernest Shackleton, famed as an ex...

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