Penetrating biographies written by a group of distinguished travel writers, broadcasters, and historians reveal the lives, motives, and passions of forty major explorers in history. It has always been mankind’s gift, or curse, to be inquisitive, and through the ages people have been driven to explore the limits of the worlds known to them—and beyond. Here are the stories of forty of the world’s greatest explorers from Europe, America, Asia, and Australia. These are men and women who changed our perception of the world through their courageous adventures. Organized thematically, the book opens with the oceanic journeys of five hundred years ago, when the great era of recorded exploration began. The following sections look at The Land, Rivers, Polar Ice, Deserts, Life on Earth, and New Frontiers. Many of these explorers recounted their journeys in vivid firsthand accounts; others were superb artists or photographers. The book features quotes from their journals and reports, and it is illustrated with paintings, photographs, engravings, and maps, so that we can experience their adventures through their own eyes and in their own words. Featured explorers include: Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, James Cook, Lewis and Clark, Richard Burton, Samuel de Champlain, David Livingstone, Roald Amundsen, Gertrude Bell, Alexander von Humboldt, Yuri Gagarin, and Jacques-Yves Cousteau.

Includes extracts from Columbus's journal of his first voyage. Includes Cortes's letter to King Charles V describing Tenochtitlan and the Aztec Empire. Includes passages from Antonio Pigafetta, a member of Magellan's crew. Includes descriptions of both the Aztec and Inca Empires. Includes pictures of the explorers and important Includes a Bibliography for further reading. *Includes a Table of Contents. Marco Polo was hardly the only European merchant or trader who traveled to the Far East, but it was his written account of his travels that would generate extreme interest in Asia. Having described such a rich land full of desired resources, Marco Polo's travels became a source for European cartographers of the era, and they became the impetus for men like Christopher Columbus, who added his own annotations to Marco Polo's account and used it as a reference for his own legendary expedition in search of the Far East. Centuries later, historians have scoured over the account and what was written in an effort to validate its authenticity, leading to sharp debates today. The most seminal event of the last millennium might also be its most controversial. As schoolchildren have been taught for over 500 years, "In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue." In October of that year, the Italian Christopher Columbus immortalized himself by landing in the New World and beginning the process of European settlement in the Americas for Spain, bringing the Age of Exploration to a new hemisphere with him. Ironically, the Italian had led a Spanish expedition, in part because the Portugese rejected his offers in the belief that sailing west to Asia would take too long. Today Ferdinand Magellan is remembered as the first man to circumnavigate the globe, an ironic legacy given that he died half a world away from completing that journey. But though it ended catastrophically for Magellan and most of his crew, his expedition accomplished its objective, and in economic terms, the opening up of new trade routes with Asia was a more significant development than the conquest of the Americas for the Europeans of the early 16th century. The life of Sir Francis Drake, or, more precisely, the tale of it, is one of those prime examples that history is written by the winners. Drake was the most famous sailor of the Elizabethan Era, and he has long been considered a hero by the English. His successes against the Spanish as a captain and a privateer were legendary, and Drake was celebrated for fighting the Queen's enemies, sinking their ships, and capturing the treasure that would otherwise be used to finance attacks on England. Drake vigorously pursued every mission given to him by Elizabeth I, and brought all his skill, experience and training to bear against her enemies. He was recognized at court for his valor, praised in story and song, and remembered for the kind of personality and esprit de corps that the English have long desired and celebrated in their military heroes.

Relates the enterprises and discoveries of twelve explorers, including Vasco da Gama, Captain James Cook, and Roald Amundsen.

Embark on an exhilarating journey through history with "5 Greatest Explorers of the World" by Kalyani Mookherji, a captivating exploration of the lives and adventures of the most renowned explorers in history. Discover the thrilling exploits of these intrepid adventurers as they charted uncharted territories, braved the elements, and pushed the boundaries of human knowledge and discovery. From Marco Polo's legendary travels along the Silk Road to Ferdinand Magellan's daring circumnavigation of the globe, each explorer's story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of exploration. Explore the themes of courage, curiosity, and perseverance as you delve into the lives of these remarkable individuals. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Mookherji brings to life the triumphs and tribulations of explorers such as Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Captain James Cook, illuminating their contributions to our understanding of the world. With its captivating narrative and stunning illustrations, "5 Greatest Explorers of the World" offers readers a front-row seat to some of history's most thrilling adventures. Mookherji's expert storytelling and insightful analysis provide a comprehensive overview of each explorer's achievements and legacy, making this book a must-read for history buffs and adventure enthusiasts alike. Experience the thrill of discovery as you follow in the footsteps of these legendary explorers, from the frozen wastelands of Antarctica to the lush jungles of the Amazon. Whether you're fascinated by tales of exploration or simply seeking inspiration from the courage and determination of these pioneers, "5 Greatest Explorers of the World" is sure to leave a lasting impression. Join the ranks of inspired readers who have been captivated by Kalyani Mookherji's captivating storytelling and expert analysis. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or an armchair traveler, "5 Greatest Explorers of the World" is your ticket to a world of adventure and discovery. Don't miss your chance to embark on an unforgettable journey through history. Let "5 Greatest Explorers of the World" be your guide to the epic adventures and enduring legacies of history's most celebrated explorers.

Marco Polo, Ferdinand Magellan, David Livingstone, Amelia Earhart, Neil Armstrong: these are some of the greatest travellers of all time. This book chronicles their stories and many more, describing epic voyages of discovery from the extraordinary migrations out of Africa by our earliest ancestors to the latest voyages into space. In antiquity, we follow Alexander the Great to the Indus and Hannibal across the Alps; in medieval times we trek beside Genghis Khan and Ibn Battuta. The Renaissance brought Columbus to the Americas and the circumnavigation of the world. The following centuries saw gaps in the global maps filled by Tasman, Bering and Cook, and journeys made for scientific purposes, most famously by von Humboldt and Darwin. In modern times, the last inhospitable ends of the earth were reached including both poles and the world's highest mountain and new elements were conquered. With evocative photographs, paintings and portraits, The Great Journeys in History reveals the stories of those who were there first, who explored the unexplored and who set out into the unknown, bringing alive the romance and thrill of travel.

"Examines the life of Captain James Cook, a British explorer and scientist, including his early life, his many Pacific voyages, and his death and legacy"--Provided by publisher.

Describes the top ten explorers whose expeditions changed the world.