Sue Blackhall reassesses Scott's life and the causes of the disaster that ended his and his comrades' lives, and the extent of his personal culpability. From a previously unassailable position, Scott has became a figure of controversy, with questions raised about his competence and character. However, more recent research has on the whole regarded Scott more positively, emphasising his personal bravery and stoicism while acknowledging his errors, but ascribing his expedition's fate primarily to misfortune.

What Ship, Where Bound? takes its title from the familiar opening exchange of signals between passing ships, and celebrates the long history of visual communications at sea.