David Hirzel

David Hirzel is a maritime historian and author. His passion is early Antarctic exploration, expressed in his books such as the Sailor on Ice series about Tom Crean, one of Shackleton’s hardiest men. When not writing or sailing in San Francisco Bay, David pursues his career in residential architecture. David is a popular guest lecturer for Viking and other cruise lines.

David Hirzel presenting at Oslo book launch

David Hirzel  is co-author of When Your Life Depends on It: Extreme Decision Making Lessons from the Antarctic and Audacious Goals, Remarkable Results.

David is a maritime historian, author, and small business owner living in California.

Author of a 3-part biography of Tom Crean

His polar books include a 3-part polar biography of the Irish explorer Tom Crean, a key player in Scott’s and Shackleton’s expeditions.  David’s book Sailor on Ice has been optioned for a documentary.

David is a popular lecturer for Viking and Windstar Cruise Lines. His broad expertise covers Antarctic exploration, wooden ships, maritime adventures and Vikings.

Additional Publications

  • A Brief History of the Livie Boatworks of Dundee (Terra Nova Press, 2016)
  • Antarctic Voyager: Tom Crean with Scott’s Discovery Expedition 1901-1904 (Terra Nova Press, 2015)
  • Hold Fast: Tom Crean with Shackleton in the Antarctic 1914 -1916 (Terra Nova Press, 2013)
  • Sailor on Ice: Tom Crean with Scott in the Antarctic 1910-1913 (Terra Nova Press, 2011)
David Hirzel with statue of Nansen
David Hirzel in Antarctica Dec 2022
David Hirzel giving talk about Polar explorers
David Hirzel in Ireland with Tom Crean statue in 2007
David Hirzel in Antarctica Dec 2022