The introduction by Lord Mouser-Hunt, FRGS (Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society), of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh (the home of the renowned animal-lover Dr Dolittle) clearly announces whimsy - but it turns out to be whimsy of the highest order. This is a gently playful account of Sir Earnest Shackleton's ill-starred third Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, as experienced by the ship's cat.
Shackleton's barkentine, En- durance, got stuck in the ice only eighty miles short of the expedition's goal. During months of privation, Mr Chippy endured as much as the 29-man ship's company. The human history is authentic, illustrated with genuine photographs and drawings. The imaginary additions are delightful though ultimately tragic - like a Beryl Bainbridge novel for catlovers.