The Oxford Book of Exploration

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Legendary explorers like Columbus, Marco Polo, Magellan, and Cook transformed our understanding of the world by uncovering unknown continents and cultures. Their journeys, marked by determination and resilience, pushed the boundaries of what was deemed possible, enduring extreme hardships such as illness, hunger, and harsh climates. Their failures often illuminate the motivations that drove them to seek the unknown. In this comprehensive collection, Robin Hanbury-Tenison, recognized as a leading explorer, presents the emotions and motives of these adventurers throughout history. We journey to Africa with figures like Doctor Livingston and Mr. Stanley, and to Asia with Marco Polo and Vasco da Gama. The Pacific is explored through Magellan and Cook, while North and South America are represented by Columbus, Cortes, Pizarro, and others. The anthology features vivid accounts, including Livingston’s reflections on the thrill of exploring wild territories and Alexander von Humboldt’s daring attempts to capture electric eels. We experience Robert Peary's challenging trek near the North Pole and Meriwether Clark’s exhilarating encounters with nature, including a bear chase. Sir Edmund Hillary’s ascent with Sherpa Norgay Tenzing to the world’s highest peak is also highlighted. This collection captures the essence of exploration, making it an ideal read for armchair travelers eager to experience the drama and adventure of global e