A Chipping Norton bookshop will host the launch of a new biography celebrating the extraordinary life of British Antarctic explorer Sir Jameson Adams, who was second-in-command on Ernest Shackleton’s 1907 Nimrod Expedition.

The launch of The Mate: The Extraordinary Lives of Sir Jameson Adams will take place at Jaffé and Neale Bookshop in Chipping Norton on Thursday, October 1.

The event has been organised by the bookshop alongside Adams’ granddaughter, Miranda Seel, who lives in nearby Whichford.

Written by Sussex-based writer H. J. Dawson, the book follows Adams’ story from running away to sea as a teenager to working his way up through the Navy ranks and playing a pivotal role in defending the British coast.

A special event is being held for the launch of The Mate at Jaffe and Neale bookshop in Chipping Norton.

placeholder image — A special event is being held for the launch of The Mate at Jaffe and Neale bookshop in Chipping Norton.

In 1907, Adams was chosen by Shackleton himself to be the Nimrod Expedition’s second-in-command, venturing further into the Antarctic than anyone had gone before.

Later in life, Prime Minister Lloyd George personally selected Adams to transform the struggling Munitions Department during the First World War.

His 25-year career with the Ministry of Labour, working alongside figures including Churchill and Beveridge, also helped lay the foundations for the Welfare State.

Speaking about the book, Jaffé and Neale Bookshop said: “This is a story of adventure and adversity; of courage, care and compassion; of the belief in a better future for everyone – and of always believing in humanity and hope.

“At the event we will also be raising money for The King Edward VII (Sister Agnes) Charity, which supports serving and former members of the Armed Forces and their families by providing grants towards the cost of medical treatment.

“Miranda’s grandfather acted as head of the charity’s appeals office between 1949 and 1962, when he successfully raised £500,000 during his tenure, the equivalent of £17 million in today’s money.”

Sir Jameson Adams’ great-grandson, Hedge Seel, will introduce the book to visitors at the launch event.

British maritime archaeologist Mensun Bound will also deliver a presentation on Sir Ernest Shackleton and discuss his role in the 2022 discovery of Shackleton’s Endurance, which sank near Antarctica after being crushed by pack ice in 1915.

Describing the book, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence KCVO, CB, ADC said: “It’s a hugely enjoyable tale of an eccentric, a maverick and an unsung hero.”

For more information or to order The Mate, visit: https://troubador.co.uk/bookshop/biography/the-mate