This abridgement of the late Samuel Eliot Morison's magnum opus, The European Discovery of America, which the Journal of Southern History called "an epic work of true grandeur," and the Virginia Quarterly Review considered "a great book by a great historian," preserves the originality, scholarship, and vivid descriptions of the original volumes.

Throughout history, a handful of unusually driven individuals have been inspired to explore the limits of the known world, inspiring us and changing our perceptions of our planet through their courageous adventures. What is it that makes these men and women risk their lives in desperate, often fatal efforts to discover distant and inaccessible places? Robin Hanbury-Tenison, himself one of the most distinguished explorers of the 20th century, looks at the greatest of their kind in history, bringing their experiences to life in vivid and compelling anecdotes and drawing on their own first-hand accounts. Among the explorers he features are some who are well known, like James Cook and David Livingstone, and some less so, such as Herodotus, the first European to record an expedition, and Nain Singh, who walked huge distances to map the forbidden lands of Tibet, counting every pace. And he asks: what was it, and is it, that motivates these unusual people? And how have they enriched our world through their adventures?

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

This is a book about one of the first recorded pilgrims who climbed Mount Sinai; it’s about Amelia Earhart, the famous American aviator whose story and disappearance continues to capture the world’s imagination. It’s the story of a doomed expedition to discover the North West Passage, and the tale of Marco Polo, who remained at the court of the Kublai Khan for an incredible 17 years. The 50 Greatest Explorers in History brings to life the pioneers in aviation flying thousands of miles with the most basic of maps in open cockpits, exposed to the elements and the unrelenting smell of petrol fumes. They travel by steamboat, on horseback, by rickshaw, motorbike, train, swim with piranhas, embark into black nothingness in new spacecraft, explore by Jeep, yachts, tea boats and elephants, disguise themselves as men, take canoes and use innovative, advanced technological scuba equipment. Going where in many cases, no man or woman had ever gone before, some women featured in this books were often denied respect, acknowledgment, or recognition and they determined to break the ‘men's club’ mentality of global exploration from which they were excluded.

The urge to explore is an ancient one in the human species. The earliest explorations were driven by physical needs like food and shelter. But later with greater resources at their disposal; human beings became curious about their extended geographical environment and began to venture further from their safe zone. Over time mankind began to recognize that with successful exploration came rewards. In fact access to virgin natural resources was one of the driving factors behind the Golden Age of Exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries when many significant discoveries were made about the geography of the Earth. Again in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; much of the exploration of Africa and Asia were driven by the need to discover and colonize new markets for goods made by European countries. The 20 Greatest Explorers of the World traces these currents in the journey of human exploration by focusing on the most famous explorers in history as well as some lesser known names who are nevertheless responsible for charting new territories. Ranging from classical Greece to the mid twentieth century; traversing all parts of the globe and indeed beyond it; these explorers are testament to the fact that the desire to know and discover has inspired humans across time and space in history.

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.

Explorers.