Expeditions: popular accounts Books

Book SynopsisIn 1943 Winston Churchill’s War Cabinet met to discuss the opening of a new front, fought not on the beaches of Normandy or in the jungles of Burma but amid the blizzards and glaciers of the Antarctic.

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Book SynopsisHenry Birdie' Bowers realised his life's ambition when he was selected for Captain Scott's Terra Nova expedition to the Antarctic, yet he also met his death on the journey. Born to a sea-faring father and adventurous mother on the Firth of Clyde, Bowers' boyhood obsession with travel and adventure took him round the world several times and his life appears, with hindsight, to have been a ceaseless preparation for his ultimate, Antarctic challenge. Although just 5ft 4in, he was a bundle of energy; knowledgeable, indefatigable and the ultimate team player. In Scott's words, he was a marvel'. This new biography, drawing on Bowers' letters, journals and previously neglected material, sheds new light on Bowers and tells the full story of the hardy naval officer who could always lift his companions' spirits.

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Book SynopsisAn exploration of Indigenous people’s experiences travelling from Canada to Britain and beyond from the 1770s to 1914.Trade Review"Exceptionally well researched and very fluently written, Travellers through Empire will be an important contribution to the growing literature on Indigenous travellers outside the bounds of their traditional territories." Coll Thrush, University of British Columbia and author of Indigenous London: Native Travellers at the Heart of Empire

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPraise for The Evolution of Charles Darwin:Named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus Reviews (Nonfiction)“Fascinating . . . A beautifully told coming-of-age story focused on Darwin’s psychological transmutation from a diffident specimen collector expecting to become a country parson to a novice scientist climbing the career ladder in London’s private and prestigious clubs and societies . . . Offer[s] new and exciting ideas that will likely beat out the competition.”—Robert M. Thorson, Wall Street Journal “[Preston’s] books are always entertaining . . . This book fits that mould; it’s an adventure story . . . The author has chosen the perfect topic. It’s nearly impossible to write a dull book about Darwin . . . The real attraction of this book lies in the way it turns the development of evolutionary theory into a personal story.”—Gerald DeGroot, Times (UK) “[A] meticulously researched compelling narrative . . . Diana Preston’s vibrant reconstruction of Darwin’s extraordinary journey, world-changing work and the consequences he experienced makes it all accessible and new in her telling.”—Janet Somerville, Toronto Star“An exciting biography of the immortal naturalist’s legendary journey . . . It was well into the 20th century before essentially all scientists agreed that Darwin was on the right track. Since then, biographies have poured off the presses, but readers cannot go wrong with this expert account. An irresistible scientific biography and adventure story with a happy ending.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)“While much has been written about Darwin’s revolutionary scientific achievements on this journey, historian Preston sheds light on the voyage itself, its captain and crew, and the Native populations they encountered.”—Booklist (starred review)“A brisk and accessible account of how Charles Darwin developed his theory of natural selection . . . A rewarding look at the development of an earth-shattering idea.”—Publishers Weekly“Darwin was only 22 when he boarded the HMS Beagle in 1830 under the command of Robert FitzRoy as a ‘gentleman naturalist,’ unaware his name would one day grace an award honouring humans who remove themselves from the gene pool through misadventure. Drawing on the naturalist’s diaries, Preston’s biography reveals a man who, in his chauvinism and blind patriotism, was typical of his time—but in his liberal- and abolition-mindedness, atypical as well.”—Globe and MailPraise for Eight Days at Yalta:“A colorful chronicle of high-stakes negotiations and a study in human frailties, missteps, and ideological blunders.”—Washington Post“Ms. Preston’s conference narrative abjures authorial hindsight judgments, placing the spotlight instead on the characters’ natural blind spots and biases. She also devotes a full third of the book to the summit’s historical context and personalities, the latter of which are nicely developed.”—Wall Street Journal“A highly readable, highly detailed account of the historic meetings and often difficult and contentious negotiations between Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin, and their staffs, and a vivid description of the once ornate Tsarist palaces and their much deteriorated wartime condition that served as the setting for meetings, dinners, and private talks.”—New York Journal of Books“Lively and nuanced . . . Shrewd on the main personalities . . . Preston goes beyond the horse-trading of three old men, with vivid scene-setting of the tsarist palaces where the conference took place.”—Times (UK)“In this well-written and absorbing book, Diana Preston provides a chronological narrative of these crucial eight days.”—Airmail“On the Yalta conference’s 75th anniversary, this insightful history recounts its enormous, if teeth-gnashing, accomplishments . . . Impressively researched . . . An expert account of an unedifying milestone at the dawn of the Cold War.”—Kirkus Reviews“[A] spirited, behind-the-scenes account of the February 1945 Yalta Conference. Preston mixes foreign policy critique . . . with vibrant descriptions of backstage activities . . . Colorful personalities, piquant details, and a diverse array of perspectives make this a satisfying introduction to the subject.”—Publishers WeeklyPraise for Diana Preston:“A treasure map of a book.”—San Diego Union-Tribune, on A Pirate of Exquisite Mind“A superbly rendered popular history.”—Booklist (starred review), on A Pirate of Exquisite Mind“Unforgettable . . . The definitive account of the Lusitania.”—Philadelphia Inquirer, on Lusitania: An Epic Tragedy“As majestic as its subject . . . Extraordinarily readable.”—Chicago Sun-Times, on Lusitania: An Epic Tragedy“An engaging narrative . . . Rich in detail and texture.”—San Diego Union Tribune, on Before the Fallout: From Marie Curie to Hiroshima“Ultimately this book is about survival, and the author engagingly recounts the nearly impossible task of trying to establish a penal colony with few supplies and poor agricultural conditions. Preston shines in her description of the true nature of Captain Bligh . . . A wonderful look into the beginnings of Australia and the remarkable strength of the survivors of these dangerous voyages.”—Kirkus Reviews, on Paradise in Chains

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPraise for The Evolution of Charles Darwin:Named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus Reviews (Nonfiction)“Fascinating . . . A beautifully told coming-of-age story focused on Darwin’s psychological transmutation from a diffident specimen collector expecting to become a country parson to a novice scientist climbing the career ladder in London’s private and prestigious clubs and societies . . . Offer[s] new and exciting ideas that will likely beat out the competition.”—Robert M. Thorson, Wall Street Journal “[Preston’s] books are always entertaining . . . This book fits that mould; it’s an adventure story . . . The author has chosen the perfect topic. It’s nearly impossible to write a dull book about Darwin . . . The real attraction of this book lies in the way it turns the development of evolutionary theory into a personal story.”—Gerald DeGroot, Times (UK) “[A] meticulously researched compelling narrative . . . Diana Preston’s vibrant reconstruction of Darwin’s extraordinary journey, world-changing work and the consequences he experienced makes it all accessible and new in her telling.”—Janet Somerville, Toronto Star“An exciting biography of the immortal naturalist’s legendary journey . . . It was well into the 20th century before essentially all scientists agreed that Darwin was on the right track. Since then, biographies have poured off the presses, but readers cannot go wrong with this expert account. An irresistible scientific biography and adventure story with a happy ending.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)“While much has been written about Darwin’s revolutionary scientific achievements on this journey, historian Preston sheds light on the voyage itself, its captain and crew, and the Native populations they encountered.”—Booklist (starred review)“A brisk and accessible account of how Charles Darwin developed his theory of natural selection . . . A rewarding look at the development of an earth-shattering idea.”—Publishers Weekly“Darwin was only 22 when he boarded the HMS Beagle in 1830 under the command of Robert FitzRoy as a ‘gentleman naturalist,’ unaware his name would one day grace an award honouring humans who remove themselves from the gene pool through misadventure. Drawing on the naturalist’s diaries, Preston’s biography reveals a man who, in his chauvinism and blind patriotism, was typical of his time—but in his liberal- and abolition-mindedness, atypical as well.”—Globe and MailPraise for Eight Days at Yalta:“A colorful chronicle of high-stakes negotiations and a study in human frailties, missteps, and ideological blunders.”—Washington Post“Ms. Preston’s conference narrative abjures authorial hindsight judgments, placing the spotlight instead on the characters’ natural blind spots and biases. She also devotes a full third of the book to the summit’s historical context and personalities, the latter of which are nicely developed.”—Wall Street Journal“A highly readable, highly detailed account of the historic meetings and often difficult and contentious negotiations between Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin, and their staffs, and a vivid description of the once ornate Tsarist palaces and their much deteriorated wartime condition that served as the setting for meetings, dinners, and private talks.”—New York Journal of Books“Lively and nuanced . . . Shrewd on the main personalities . . . Preston goes beyond the horse-trading of three old men, with vivid scene-setting of the tsarist palaces where the conference took place.”—Times (UK)“In this well-written and absorbing book, Diana Preston provides a chronological narrative of these crucial eight days.”—Airmail“On the Yalta conference’s 75th anniversary, this insightful history recounts its enormous, if teeth-gnashing, accomplishments . . . Impressively researched . . . An expert account of an unedifying milestone at the dawn of the Cold War.”—Kirkus Reviews“[A] spirited, behind-the-scenes account of the February 1945 Yalta Conference. Preston mixes foreign policy critique . . . with vibrant descriptions of backstage activities . . . Colorful personalities, piquant details, and a diverse array of perspectives make this a satisfying introduction to the subject.”—Publishers WeeklyPraise for Diana Preston:“A treasure map of a book.”—San Diego Union-Tribune, on A Pirate of Exquisite Mind“A superbly rendered popular history.”—Booklist (starred review), on A Pirate of Exquisite Mind“Unforgettable . . . The definitive account of the Lusitania.”—Philadelphia Inquirer, on Lusitania: An Epic Tragedy“As majestic as its subject . . . Extraordinarily readable.”—Chicago Sun-Times, on Lusitania: An Epic Tragedy“An engaging narrative . . . Rich in detail and texture.”—San Diego Union Tribune, on Before the Fallout: From Marie Curie to Hiroshima“Ultimately this book is about survival, and the author engagingly recounts the nearly impossible task of trying to establish a penal colony with few supplies and poor agricultural conditions. Preston shines in her description of the true nature of Captain Bligh . . . A wonderful look into the beginnings of Australia and the remarkable strength of the survivors of these dangerous voyages.”—Kirkus Reviews, on Paradise in Chains

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Book SynopsisA collection of Sir Wally's paintings, together with personal anecdotes of his experiences in the Polar World and his connection with the polar pioneers of the past, as well as his descriptions of the inspiration behind his paintings.Trade Review"'Profoundly evocative... a uniquely insightful book.' H.R.H. Prince Charles 'A vastly important book about these extraordinary regions of the world. The Polar World stands as a magnificent epitaph to a genuine explorer and great man of the modern age.' Sir Ranulph Fiennes"

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Book SynopsisWhen the experienced Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin (1786â1847) was put in command of an expedition in 1845 to search for the elusive North-West Passage he had the backing of the Admiralty and was equipped with two specially-adapted ships and a three-year supply of provisions. Franklin was last seen by whalers in Baffin Bay in July 1845. When the expedition failed to return in 1848, enormous resources were mobilised to try to discover its fate. In 1852 H.M.S. 'Assistance' was sent to lead another search mission. It was captained by Edward Belcher (1799â1877), who eventually took the decision to abandon four ships in the pack-ice. He recounts his unsuccessful adventure, defending his actions against critics, in this illustrated two-volume book, first published in 1855, which also includes scientific contributions. Volume 1 describes Belcher's outward journey, Arctic animals such as walruses and whales, and the effects of extreme cold.Table of ContentsPreface; Preliminary; 1. At sea; 2. Anchor at Upernavik; 3. Native dogs; 4. Frozen in; 5. Retreat; 6. The 'Assistance'; 7. Transit telescope; 8. Short days; 9. Rise of temperature; 10. The cairn; 11. Inconvenient elevation; 12. Hamilton Depot; 13. Open water; 14. First symptom of winter.

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Book SynopsisWhen the experienced Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin (1786â1847) was put in command of an expedition in 1845 to search for the elusive North-West Passage he had the backing of the Admiralty and was equipped with two specially-adapted ships and a three-year supply of provisions. Franklin was last seen by whalers in Baffin Bay in July 1845. When the expedition failed to return in 1848, enormous resources were mobilised to try to discover its fate. In 1852 H.M.S. 'Assistance' was sent to lead another search mission. It was captained by Edward Belcher (1799â1877), who recounts his unsuccessful adventure in this illustrated two-volume book, first published in 1855. Volume 2 covers, and attempts to justify, Belcher's much-criticised decision to abandon four ships in the pack-ice. It also contains Belcher's views on reports of cannibalism among Franklin's crew, as well as scientific observations and a fascinating list of provisions.Table of Contents1. Return of Osborn; 2. Moor in-shore; 3. Run of the ice; 4. Increase of temperature; 5. Land reached; 6. Dangers of autumn; 7. Lifting of the ship; 8. Thaw; 9. Import of instructions; Appendix.

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Book SynopsisExplorer and geologist Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld (18321901) is best known as leader of the 187880 expedition in which the Eurasian continent was first circumnavigated via the North-East Passage. This book, first published in 1879, details Nordenskiöld's Arctic voyages prior to this expedition.Table of ContentsPreface; 1. The Nordenskiöld family: autobiographical sketch; 2. The Swedish Arctic expeditions of 1858 and 1861; 3. The Swedish Arctic Expedition of 1864; 4. The Swedish Polar expedition of 1868; 5. Expedition to Greenland; 6. The Swedish Polar Expedition of 1872–3; 7. Voyage to the Yenissej in 1875 and ascent of the river; 8. Second voyage to the Yenissej in 1876; 9. The North-East Passage Expedition, 1878–9; Appendix 1. Official report to the (Swedish) Royal Board of Health on the hygiene and care of the sick during the Swedish Polar Expedition, 1872–3 Dr Envall; Appendix 2. List of books and memoirs relating to the Swedish Arctic expeditions; Index.

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Book SynopsisPublished in Danish in 1885, and translated into English in 1889, this is a sympathetic biography of the great Danish explorer Vitus Bering (16811741). It describes his experiences in the Russian navy and his many voyages of exploration around Alaska and Siberia, including the ten-year-long Great Northern Expedition.Table of ContentsIntroduction to the American edition Frederick Schwatka; Translator's preface; Author's preface; Part I. Bering's First Expedition: 1. Russia and England in the work of Arctic exploration; 2. Bering's nativity; 3. Plans for Bering's first expedition; 4. Bering's knowledge of Siberian geography; 5. The building of the Gabriel; 6. The task assigned by Peter the Great accomplished; 7. Bering's winter at the fort; Part II. The Great Northern Expedition: 8. Bering's plans for a second expedition; 9. The Great Northern Expedition on its way through Siberia; 10. Delay of the expedition caused by the death of Lassenius and his command in the Arctic regions; 11. Final preparations for the Pacific expeditions; Part III. The Various Expeditions: 12. The Arctic expeditions; 13. The discovery of the Kurile Islands and Japan from the North; 14. Preparations for Bering's voyage of discovery to America; 15. The discovery of America from the East; 16. Bering's place of landing on the American coast; 17. Explorations along the American coast; 18. The discovery of the Aleutian Islands; 19. The stay on Bering Island; Appendix. Bering's report to the Admiralty from Okhotsk; Notes; Index.

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Book SynopsisDescribed as 'a record of solid achievement in the face of hardship and difficulty', Jackson's 1899 account of his Arctic expedition describes a forbidding terrain of ice and snow. Volume 2 includes accounts of new lands, and a famous encounter with Nansen, as well as a substantial scientific appendix.Table of Contents22. The British Channel an open sea; 23. We discover new land; 24. At Cape Flora; 25. A man on the ice!; 26. The darkness of a third winter is upon us; 27. We prepare again for sledging; 28. Queen Victoria Sea and the North-West; 29. Water, water everywhere; 30. We lose our provisions; 31. How we kept the Queen's Jubilee; 32. Unexpected return of the expedition; 33. No Gillis Land; 34. Home again!; 35. Concerning scurvy; Appendix. Notes and descriptions of the eggs collected by Frederick G. Jackson and the Jackson–Harmsworth Polar expedition in Franz Josef Land, 1894 to 1897 F. W. Frohawk; Notes on the birds of Franz Josef Land seen by the Jackson–Harmsworth Polar expedition, 1894 to 1897 Frederick George Jackson; Botany of Franz Josef Land Harry Fisher; Notes on the meteorological observations in Franz Joseph Land of the Jackson–Harmsworth Polar expedition A. B. Armitage; Some results of meteorological observations made at Cope Flora, Franz Josef Land Mr Strachan; Tables; Remarks, etc.; Journal of Aurora; Short statement upon the geology of Franz Josef Land Reginald Koettlitz; Notes on a collection of rocks and fossils from Franz Josef Land, made by the Jackson–Harmsworth Polar expedition during 1894–1896 E. T. Newton, J. J. H. Teall; Absolute declinations at Cape Flora A. B. Armitage; Temperatures of soil, water, etc. H. Fisher; Tidal observations take at Cape Flora A. B. Armitage; Positions obtained by observations of [circled dot] on boat journey; Report on the flora of Franz Joseph Land from Cape Barents to Cape Neale H. Fisher; Synopsis of wind forces and direction for May, June, and July, 1895; Synopsis of wind forces; Positions of camps, etc., on sledging journey; Abstract of weather on sledge journey north, April 16th to May 13th, 1895; Index.

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Book SynopsisThe French general and historian Philippe-Paul, Comte de SÃgur (1780â1873) served as a member of Napoleon's personal staff during the Russian campaign. He had joined the cavalry in 1800 and had distinguished himself during earlier episodes of the European war; this led to him being chosen for several diplomatic missions. His two-volume account of the invasion of Russia, first published in French in 1824, has been through many editions and has been translated into many languages. It is both a military history and an eyewitness account. This English translation was first published in 1825 and remains immensely valuable to historians' understanding of Napoleon's ultimately disastrous Russian strategy. Volume 1 begins with the reasons behind the decision to invade and includes the Battle of Borodino, in which over seventy thousand people were killed. It concludes on 12 September 1812, two days before Napoleon's army reached Moscow.Table of ContentsBooks I-VII.

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Book SynopsisThe French general and historian Philippe-Paul, Comte de SÃgur (1780â1873) served as a member of Napoleon's personal staff during the Russian campaign. He had joined the cavalry in 1800 and had distinguished himself during earlier episodes of the European war; this led to him being chosen for several diplomatic missions. His two-volume account of the invasion of Russia, first published in French in 1824, has been through many editions and has been translated into many languages. It is both a military history and an eyewitness account. This English translation was first published in 1825 and remains immensely valuable to historians' understanding of Napoleon's ultimately disastrous Russian strategy. Volume 2 begins with Napoleon's arrival in Moscow on 14 September 1812. The remainder of the book charts the events of the army's retreat, details the conditions endured and the lives lost in the course of it.Table of ContentsBooks VIII-XII.

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Book SynopsisWilliam Fitzwilliam Owen (1774â1857) was a British naval officer. Between 1821 and 1826 he commanded an expedition to Africa, Arabia and Madagascar with the Royal Navy ships Leven and Barracouta, during which he mapped some 30,000 miles of coastline. His memoirs of the voyage are presented in this two-volume account, first published in 1833. Volume 2 continues to describe the rituals of the native peoples whom Owen's crew encountered - and who were at times hostile - and the tragic deaths on board the ships from tropical diseases, which with better planning might have been avoided. The volume also covers the lives of colonists and missionaries, the slave trade, and the spread of European influence across Africa and its neighbouring lands. Providing a vivid account of African exploration in the nineteenth century, Owen's writings remain of great interest to geographers, historians and anthropologists.Table of Contents1. Quit Zanzibar; 2. Querimba Islands; 3. Leave the Barracouta; 4. Harbour of Tamatave; 5. The Senna expedition; 6. Town of Senna; 7. A priest's extortion; 8. Sandy island; 9. Coast of Madagascar; 10. Radama; 11. Interview with Radama; 12. Commerce; 13. The funeral; 14. The Seychelles islands; 15. A massacre; 16. Leave the Seychelles; 17. Join the 'Albatross'; 18. A boy sold; 19. Kidnapped seamen; 20. A native king's son; 21. Bijooga islands; 22. Captain Vidal's proceedings; 23. Population and commerce; 24. Scenery in Kabenda bay; 25. People of Cape Lopez; 25a. Corisco bay; 26. Fernando Po; 27. Intended visit to King Peppel; 28. Rivers between Cape Formosa and the Bonny; 29. Survey of the Gambia; Appendix.

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Book SynopsisIn the mid-nineteenth century, the northern coastline of North America was of particular interest to the Hudson's Bay Company as it was believed to hold the key to the elusive North-West Passage, a trade route from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Recruited to lead a team to survey part of this forbidding region, the Scottish explorer John Rae (1813â93) undertook his first expedition during 1846â7. It was remarkable not only for its success, but also because Rae's was the first crew to overwinter in the Arctic. Unlike other Victorian explorers, Rae embraced the culture of the Inuit and learnt to live off the land like them, which enabled him to complete his survey. First published in 1850, this journal relates the details of his journey as well as how he and his men survived the extreme conditions. It remains a valuable document in the history of Arctic exploration.Table of Contents1. Origin and plan of the expedition; 2. Depart from Churchill; 3. Receive a visit from a female party; 4. State of things at Repulse Bay; 5. Winter arrangements completed; 6. Set out for the north; 7. Preparations for exploring the coast of Melville Peninsula; 8. Occurrences at Fort Hope during the absence of the exploring party; 9. Voyage from Repulse Bay to York Factory; Appendix. List of mammalia; List of birds; List of fishes; List of plants; Specimens of rocks; Dip of the needle and force of magnetic attraction at various stations; Abstract of meteorological journal from September 1846 to August 1847.

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Book SynopsisThe surgeon William Ainsworth (1807â96) acted as the geologist of the 1835 Euphrates Expedition, his account of which is also reissued in this series. Great interest was aroused by the scientific and archaeological findings of that journey, and a further expedition was funded, ostensibly to make contact with the Nestorian Christians of the region, but covertly to make further mineralogical investigations. Ainsworth was the leader of the expedition, and his two-volume account was published in 1842. Starting from Istanbul in 1839, Ainsworth took a route through Asia Minor, northern Syria, Kurdistan, Persia and Armenia, returning to Istanbul in 1840. The expedition was regarded as unsuccessful, as Ainsworth had massively overspent on the budget originally allotted by the sponsors, and his secret activities were discovered by the Ottoman authorities, but the work remains a vivid account of the area. Volume 1 covers events up to the battle of Nezib in 1839.Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. Suburb of Constantinople; 2. Ismid; 3. The hero's stone; 4. The hollow rock; 5. Upland of Iflani; 6. Virgin's castle; 7. Town of Osmanjik; 8. Town of Changri; 9. A French instructor of cavalry; 10. Quit Angora; 11. Deserted mines and foxes; 12. Utch Ayak; 13. Christians of Nev Shehr; 14. Koch Hisar; 15. Iron village; 16. Kaiseriyeh; 17. Viran Shehr; 18. Start from Derendah; 19. Passage of the Taurus; 20. Vale of Gergen Kafehsi; 21. Retrospective; 22. Town of Birehjik; 23. Prisoners of water; 24. Position of the Turks turned by the enemy; 25. Line of retreat.

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Book SynopsisIn the years leading up to Charles Darwin's 1832â6 voyage on the Beagle, the ship and its captain Robert Fitzroy (1805â65) had participated in an expedition to the desolate southern coast of South America. This three-volume work, published in 1839, describes both voyages. Volumes 1 and 2, compiled by Fitzroy, contain accounts by professional mariners. Volume 3 is the first published version of the young Darwin's now famous journal. It later appeared as a free-standing publication (1840) and in a more popular second edition (1845), both reissued in this series. Darwin's preface refers to the detailed scientific publications resulting from his research: the geological studies of volcanic islands and coral reefs (also available in the Cambridge Library Collection), and the co-authored, multi-volume zoology. Darwin expresses thanks to Fitzroy for his 'most cordial friendship', to the ship's officers for their 'undeviating kindness', and particularly to his Cambridge mentor John Stevens HenTable of ContentsPreface; 1. Porto Praya; 2. Rio de Janeiro, excursion north of Cape Frio; 3. Monte Video, excursion to R. Polanco; 4. Rio Negro; 5. Bahía Blanca; 6. Set out for Buenos Ayres; 7. Excursion to St. Fe; 8. Monte Video, excursion to Colonia del Sacramiento; 9. Rio Plata; 10. Santa Cruz, expedition up river; 11. Tierra del Fuego; 12. Falkland Islands; 13. Strait of Magellan; 14. Valparaiso, excursion to base of Andes; 15. Chiloe; 16. San Carlos, Chiloe; 17. Valparaiso, passage of Andes by Portillo pass; 18. Bell mountain, excursion to Cordillera; 19. Galapagos Islands volcanic; 20. Tahiti, New Zealand; 21. Sydney, Van Diemen's Land; 22. Keeling Island; 23. Mauritius, Brazil, Azores; Addenda; Index.

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Book SynopsisThe true, harrowing story of the ill-fated 1913 Canadian Arctic Expedition and the two men who came to define it.

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Book SynopsisThe recent discovery and filming of Frankin's HMS 'Terror' has brought the tragic story of the expedition into the international spotlight. The only man who knows the true narrative is Ernest Coleman.

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Book SynopsisNew in paperback - The recent discovery and filming of Franklin's HMS 'Terror' has brought the tragic story of the expedition into the international spotlight. The only man who knows the true narrative is Ernest Coleman.Trade Review‘An extraordinary story of determination… highly recommended’ -- Sea Breezes

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Book SynopsisIt was in large part the lure of riches, such as spices and gold, and the promise of fertile land which tempted the British and other Europeans to venture out to unknown lands.These intrepid explorers, who devoted and often lost their lives on journeys of discovery, were frequently accompanied by artists. At the time there was no other way of pictorially recording their exploits and experiences.James Cook and his botanist Joseph Banks had artists Alexander Buchan and Sydney Parkinson on board for their initial voyage to the South Seas. Buchan's first pictures were of the natives of Tierra del Fuego as the Endeavour rounded Cape Horn but tragically within a month he died, apparently of epilepsy. Thomas Baines travelled with Livingstone while Charles Heaphy in New Zealand and the Governor''s wife in India were amongst many others who produced drawings and paintings.The many fine works in this book fashioned the British public''s image of their countrymen's discoveries and, later, of the

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewWilson is a passionate guide who brings readers on an encyclopedic journey through the cult of cider and its resident obsessives. From unraveling the history of the apple to exploring the intricacies of flavor, THE CIDER REVIVAL reveals the love and labor that goes into a timeless beverage that's full of surprises. -- Bianca Bosker * author of Cork Dork *“Cider is America’s great forgotten beverage. Jason Wilson’s lively, anecdote-filled, passionate paean to what he says should properly be considered ‘apple win’ will go a long way toward giving this immensely varied and complex libation the recognition and appreciation it deserves.” -- Colman Andrews * cofounder of Saveur and author of The British Table *

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Book SynopsisThe celebrated journals of Lewis and Clark's legendary expedition into the uncharted American West, abridged into a single volume and translated into modern English, with nuanced observations from star author and journalist Anthony Brandt. At the start of the 19th century, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark embarked on an unprecedented voyage of discovery. Their assignment was to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and record the geography, flora, fauna, and people they encountered along the way. This updated edition of the captains' journals combines historical insight from editor Anthony Brandt with the rich detail of Lewis and Clark's original writing, as well as archival maps and artwork. An enthralling portrait of the unspoiled West, this true-life adventure story is a window to the dawning of America--from encounters with grizzly bears to councils with tribal leaders and perilous mountain crossings. 'Because the captains don't kn

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Book SynopsisThe definitive account of Sir Vivian Fuchs and Sir Edmund Hillary's Trans-Antarctic Expedition, completed 60 years ago this year.

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Book SynopsisAn intrepid journalist’s quest to trace the origins of the Asian arowana or “dragon fish”—the world’s most sought-after aquarium fish.Trade ReviewPraise for The Dragon Behind the Glass:"The Asian arowana, also known as the dragon fish, ranks among the world’s most expensive aquarium fish, and in this engaging tale of obsession and perseverance, journalist Voigt chronicles her effort to study and understand its appeal. . . . Voigt’s passion in pursuing her subject is infectious, as is the self-deprecating humor she injects into her enthralling look at the intersection of science, commercialism, and conservationism." —Publishers Weekly *Starred review*"Voigt's passionate narrative perfectly conveys the obsessive world in which [the arowana] swims."—Publishers Weekly Best Summer Books of 2016“Not since Candace Millardpublished The River of Doubt has the world of the Amazon, Borneo,Myanmar and other exotic locations been so colorfully portrayed as it is now inEmily Voigt’s The Dragon Behind the Glass…. Fascinating and must-read.”—Library Journal *Starred review*"A spirited debut . . .A fresh, lively look at an obsessive desire to own a piece of the wild." —Kirkus Reviews"With the taut suspense of a spy novel, Voigt paints a vivid world of murder, black market deals and habitat destruction surrounding a fish that's considered, ironically, to be a good-luck charm."—Discover "Voigt relates her continent-hopping adventures as she struggles to make sense of 'a modern paradox: the mass-produced endangered species' . . . . What follows is an immensely satisfying story, full of surprises and suspense.” —The Wall Street Journal"Who would’ve thought the history of a rare fish could be so enthralling? Voigt traces the bizarre story of the world’s most expensive aquarium fish, the Asian “dragon fish,” in a story that reads more like fiction, what with all the murder, smuggling and general intrigue." —PureWow, "The Ultimate 2016 Summer Book Guide"“This book starts with a ‘bang’ – a murder to be exact – and the momentum just keeps going from there. The Dragon Behind the Glass is a gripping blend of investigative journalism, science, international crime, travelogue and history….You don't need to know anything about tropical fishes or fishkeeping to be totally riveted by this informative page-turner.” —Forbes, The 10 Best Conservation And Environment Books Of 2016"Many a true-crime study could be attributed to an author's honest enthusiasm for weirdness. (I'm thinking of "The Orchid Thief," Susan Orlean's wondrous strange book about an orchid poacher's bizarre search for the rare ghost orchid that grows in the swamplands of Florida's Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve.) The Dragon Behind the Glass is the same kind of curiously edifying book." —Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review“A masterpiece! Emily Voigt has raised the bar for anyone who thinks they can tell a good fish story. What an extraordinary and extraordinarily well-told tale. Voigt brings such wonderful humor, adventure, and hard science to this subject, I found myself unable to put the book down. Never has science been so much criminally good fun. I will never look upon a goldfish the same way again.” —Bryan Christy, author of The Lizard King: The True Crimes and Passions of the World’s Greatest Reptile Smugglers"Few writers can match the intelligence, charm, wit, and sheer audacity that Emily Voigt brings to bear in this highly readable and important book. From the bleak housing projects of the South Bronx to the steamy jungles of southern Myanmar, Voigt takes us along on a journey of adventure and discovery in her quest to find an increasingly rare fish in the wild. With a page-turning plot and a cast of vivid characters, The Dragon Behind the Glass shines a powerful light on the international trade in endangered species." —Scott Wallace, author of The Unconquered: In Search of the Amazon's Last Uncontacted Tribes

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Book SynopsisIf there's an adventure to be had, it's likely that David Hempleman-Adams has been there first. Ranking alongside Ranulph Fiennes and Chris Bonnington in the pantheon of British explorers, he is the first person in history to achieve what is termed the Adventurers' Grand Slam, by reaching the Geographic and Magnetic North and South Poles as well as climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents. The question Hempleman-Adams is most often asked is, simply: what drives him on? Why risk frostbite pulling a sledge to the North Pole? Why experience the Death Zone on Everest? Why fly in the tiny basket of a precarious balloon across the Atlantic? Is it simply the case that he likes to push himself to the limits, or is there something more to it? No Such Thing as Failure answers these questions and more, uncovering what drives arguably the world''s greatest adventurer.Trade ReviewI admire David hugely. He is a true adventurer and this book shows the breadth and depth of his achievements. NO SUCH THING AS FAILURE is an astonishing book, depicting an awe-inspiring life.

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Book SynopsisStorms, fatigue, equipment failure, intense hunger, and lack of water are just a few of the challenges that ocean rower Mick Dawson endured whilst attempting to complete one of the World''s ''Last Great Firsts''.In this nail-biting true story of man versus nature, former Royal Marine commando Dawson, a Guinness World Record-holder for ocean-rowing and high-seas adventurer takes on the Atlantic and ultimately the North Pacific.It took Dawson three attempts and a back-breaking voyage of over six months to finally cross the mighty North Pacific for the first time. Dawson and his rowing partner Chris Martin spent 189 days, 10 hours and 55 minutes rowing around the clock, facing the destruction of their small boat and near-certain death every mile of the way, before finally reaching the iconic span of San Francisco''s Golden Gate Bridge. Dawson''s thrilling account of his epic adventure details how he and Chris propelled their fragile craft, stroke by stroke for tTrade ReviewMick's account of the gruelling journey is compelling. You'll feel that you're there with them, through the near-death experiences and the equipment failures, battling extreme fatigue, frightening storms and an ocean the consistency of liquid cement * Lifeboat Magazine *A nail-biting story of man versus nature * Globe & Laurel *

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Book SynopsisOver a century after she sank, the Endurance has been found, and here, in his own words, Sir Ernest Shackleton tells the extraordinary story of his extraordinary adventure.In 1911 Roald Amundsen beat Robert Falcon Scott to the South Pole, and Scott and his colleagues all died on the return journey. Ernest Shackleton, who had served with Scott on a previous expedition, decided that crossing Antarctica from sea to sea was the last great unattempted journey on the continent. His Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 191417 was a failure. But perhaps because it failed, with Shackleton not only surviving but bringing his crew back alive, the expedition became more famous than many of those adventurous voyages that succeeded.After reaching the Weddell Sea off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, Shackleton's ship the Endurance became trapped in pack ice and spent 1915 drifting northwards. The Endurance was eventually crushed by the ice and sank, leaving 28 men sTrade ReviewStylish, high quality collector's edition * Hardy Boat Owner *Indisputably, Shackleton's compelling account of his epic adventure is a classic. * Sailing Today *Timeless masterpiece... updated with pictures and maps. * Yachting World *

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Book SynopsisJoshua Slocum''s epic solo voyage around the world in 1895 in the thirty-seven-foot sloop Spray stands as one of the greatest sea adventures of all time. It remains one of the major feats of single-handed voyaging and has since been the inspiration for the many who have gone to sea in small boats. Starting from Boston in 1895 and dropping anchor in Newport, Rhode Island, over three years after his journey began, Slocum cruised some forty-six thousand miles entirely by sail and entirely alone. Slocum''s account of his voyage is a classic of sailing literature, acclaimed as an unequaled masterpiece of vital yet disciplined prose--here in a new edition for all admirers of his legendary achievement.Trade ReviewYes, Slocum's journey was 'epic' but it was also eccentric, unlikely and his unsurpassable action elegiac...The unaffected and quirky intimacy with which he writes will never be matched. You cannot do what he did any more. * Matthew Parris *Boys who do not like this book ought to be drowned at once. * Arthur Ransome *One of the best sea-themed reads. * Daily Telegraph *It is riveting stuff... A great read. * The Nautical Magazine *One of the all-time classic sailing narratives. * Classic Boat *

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Book SynopsisÊA Stowaway Ukulele Revealed: Richard Konter & the Byrd Polar ExpeditionsÊ is the unlikely and compelling story of a globe-trotting ukulele-strumming Brooklyn sailor named Richard Konter and his famous autographed instrument. At the height of the ukulele craze Konter was a go-to arranger for Tin Pan Alley composers and publishers.ÞIn 1926 Konter shipped out as a member of the crew of the Byrd Arctic Expedition. As a riveted world followed their progress (and that of their arch-rival Roald Amundsen the world''s greatest polar explorer) Konter managed to get his ukulele aboard Byrd''s plane for the first successful polar flight.ÞA keen contributor to history in the making Konter managed to obtain the autographs of more than 150 individuals both famous and unknown all of whom respected the importance of Konter''s North Pole ukulele. Later Konter accompanied Byrd to Antarctica and later married for the first time at age 80 the love of his life.ÞFor the first time ÊA Stowaway U

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Book SynopsisIn May 1804, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and their Corps of Discovery set out on a journey of a lifetime to explore and interpret the American West. The Lewis and Clark Expedition Day by Day follows this exploration with a daily narrative of their journey, from its starting point in Illinois in 1804 to its successful return to St. Louis in September 1806.Trade Review"Moulton has produced a day by day narrative of the expedition, based on the journals and notes made by the captains, their men, and assistants who helped them catalog their work upon their return. The result is a fantastic resource for anyone—scholar or casual reader—who is interested in the expedition."—Mark A. Eifler, Western Historical Quarterly"This is the type of tome that the reader returns to, again and again, and with each reading absorbs some new perception of what has become an American legend along with the adventurers who lived it."—Kira E. Kaufmann, Journal of the Iowa Archeological Society"This book takes readers on a journey most travelers wish they had joined back when it happened in 1804. . . . This book took the author nearly forty years, and it was time well spent among one of the most intense and suspense-laden adventures of America's history."—Anna Faktorovich, Pennsylvania Literary Journal"[Moulton] incorporates the scientific work carried out by the expedition and provides a series of maps to indicate its route across the American West. Many of the entries provide a visceral sense of what members of the expedition saw on their travels. . . . These details make the Lewis and Clark expedition once again seem new and exciting."—Missouri Historical Review"While it has obvious appeal for those fascinated by the Lewis and Clark expedition, it also offers insight into Native American life and European-indigenous relations in the early nineteenth century. The complex life of the continent before the spread of European settlement beyond the Missouri is brought poignantly into focus. In our age of global environmental threat, the great biodiversity that is described by the members of the Corps of Discovery is also a stark reminder of all that has been lost. In short, Moulton’s book is highly recommended."—Amanda Laugesen, Kansas History"The Lewis and Clark Expedition Day by Day has several key strengths making it an admirable contribution to both historical geography and Lewis and Clark scholarship."—Robert M. Briwa, Historical Geography"Reading Moulton's narrative of the journey reminds readers of journals, diaries, and reminiscences written by overland trailer travelers in the 1840s to 1860s, but knowing that the Corps of Discovery first noted these things makes the journey of Lewis and Clark all the more spectacular. . . . Moulton provided a volume accessible to all."—Diana L. Ahmad, Great Plains Quarterly"Moulton's The Lewis and Clark Expedition Day by Day is his latest telling of the Corps of Discovery's journey to explore the American West. . . . The results are daily dispatches of the personal stories, scientific pursuits and geographic challenges. There are descriptions of encounters with American Indians and unknown lands, and observations of new species of flora and fauna."—David Hendee, Omaha World-Herald“Drawing on his comprehensive knowledge of the expedition, Gary Moulton has put into a lively prose narrative what is the nation’s first road story. . . . The Lewis and Clark Expedition Day by Day gives readers an unparalleled opportunity to see that journey as it unfolded in real time. . . . [This book] belongs on the short shelf of important books about the life and times of the Corps of Discovery. It will surely have a wide and appreciative audience.”—James P. Ronda, Barnard Professor of Western American History, emeritus, at the University of Tulsa and author of Lewis and Clark among the IndiansTable of ContentsList of Illustrations Preface Introduction Expedition Personnel Chapter 1. Expedition Underway, May 14–August 24, 1804 Chapter 2. The Middle Missouri, August 25–October 26, 1804 Chapter 3. Knife River Winter, October 27, 1804–April 6, 1805 Chapter 4. Into the Unknown, April 7–June 2, 1805 Chapter 5. Portaging the Falls, June 3–July 14, 1805 Chapter 6. Shadows of the Rockies, July 15–August 9, 1805 Chapter 7. Those Tremendous Mountains, August 10–October 10, 1805 Chapter 8. Roll On Columbia, October 11–November 14, 1805 Chapter 9. Pacific Coast Winter, November 15, 1805–March 22, 1806 Chapter 10. Homeward Bound, March 23–July 2, 1806 Chapter 11. Separation and Reunion, July 3–August 12, 1806 Chapter 12. Hurrying Home, August 13–September 23, 1806 Afterword Index

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Book SynopsisIn May 1804, Meriwether Lewis,William Clark, and their Corps of Discoveryset out on a journey of a lifetime to explore and interpret theAmerican West. The Lewis and Clark Expedition Day by Day follows this exploration with a daily narrative of their journey, from its starting point in Illinois in 1804 to its successful return to St. Louis in September 1806. This accessible chronicle, presented by Lewis and Clark historianGary E. Moulton, depicts each riveting day of the Corps of Discovery’s journey. Drawn from the journals of the two captains and four enlisted men, this volume recounts personal stories, scientific pursuits, and geographic challenges, along with vivid descriptions of encounters with Native peoples and unknown lands and discoveries of new species of flora and fauna. This modern reference brings the story of the Lewis and Clark expedition to life in a new way, from the first hoisting of the sail to the final celebratory dinner. Trade Review"Moulton has produced a day by day narrative of the expedition, based on the journals and notes made by the captains, their men, and assistants who helped them catalog their work upon their return. The result is a fantastic resource for anyone—scholar or casual reader—who is interested in the expedition."—Mark A. Eifler, Western Historical Quarterly"This is the type of tome that the reader returns to, again and again, and with each reading absorbs some new perception of what has become an American legend along with the adventurers who lived it."—Kira E. Kaufmann, Journal of the Iowa Archeological Society"This book takes readers on a journey most travelers wish they had joined back when it happened in 1804. . . . This book took the author nearly forty years, and it was time well spent among one of the most intense and suspense-laden adventures of America's history."—Anna Faktorovich, Pennsylvania Literary Journal"[Moulton] incorporates the scientific work carried out by the expedition and provides a series of maps to indicate its route across the American West. Many of the entries provide a visceral sense of what members of the expedition saw on their travels. . . . These details make the Lewis and Clark expedition once again seem new and exciting."—Missouri Historical Review"While it has obvious appeal for those fascinated by the Lewis and Clark expedition, it also offers insight into Native American life and European-indigenous relations in the early nineteenth century. The complex life of the continent before the spread of European settlement beyond the Missouri is brought poignantly into focus. In our age of global environmental threat, the great biodiversity that is described by the members of the Corps of Discovery is also a stark reminder of all that has been lost. In short, Moulton’s book is highly recommended."—Amanda Laugesen, Kansas History"The Lewis and Clark Expedition Day by Day has several key strengths making it an admirable contribution to both historical geography and Lewis and Clark scholarship."—Robert M. Briwa, Historical Geography"Reading Moulton's narrative of the journey reminds readers of journals, diaries, and reminiscences written by overland trailer travelers in the 1840s to 1860s, but knowing that the Corps of Discovery first noted these things makes the journey of Lewis and Clark all the more spectacular. . . . Moulton provided a volume accessible to all."—Diana L. Ahmad, Great Plains Quarterly"Moulton's The Lewis and Clark Expedition Day by Day is his latest telling of the Corps of Discovery's journey to explore the American West. . . . The results are daily dispatches of the personal stories, scientific pursuits and geographic challenges. There are descriptions of encounters with American Indians and unknown lands, and observations of new species of flora and fauna."—David Hendee, Omaha World-Herald“Drawing on his comprehensive knowledge of the expedition, Gary Moulton has put into a lively prose narrative what is the nation’s first road story. . . . The Lewis and Clark Expedition Day by Day gives readers an unparalleled opportunity to see that journey as it unfolded in real time. . . . [This book] belongs on the short shelf of important books about the life and times of the Corps of Discovery. It will surely have a wide and appreciative audience.”—James P. Ronda, Barnard Professor of Western American History, emeritus, at the University of Tulsa and author of Lewis and Clark among the IndiansTable of ContentsList of Illustrations Preface Introduction Expedition Personnel Chapter 1. Expedition Underway, May 14–August 24, 1804 Chapter 2. The Middle Missouri, August 25–October 26, 1804 Chapter 3. Knife River Winter, October 27, 1804–April 6, 1805 Chapter 4. Into the Unknown, April 7–June 2, 1805 Chapter 5. Portaging the Falls, June 3–July 14, 1805 Chapter 6. Shadows of the Rockies, July 15–August 9, 1805 Chapter 7. Those Tremendous Mountains, August 10–October 10, 1805 Chapter 8. Roll On Columbia, October 11–November 14, 1805 Chapter 9. Pacific Coast Winter, November 15, 1805–March 22, 1806 Chapter 10. Homeward Bound, March 23–July 2, 1806 Chapter 11. Separation and Reunion, July 3–August 12, 1806 Chapter 12. Hurrying Home, August 13–September 23, 1806 Afterword Index

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Book SynopsisThe East Country is a work of creative nonfiction in which the acclaimed nature writer Jules Pretty integrates memoir, natural history, cultural critique, and spiritual reflection into a single compelling narrative. Pretty frames his book around Aldo Leopold and his classic A Sand County Almanac, bringing Leopold's ethicthat some could live without nature but most should notinto the twenty-first century. In The East Country, Pretty follows the seasons through seventy-four tales set in a variety of landscapes from valley to salty shore. Pretty convinces us that we should all develop long attachments to the local, observing that the land can change us for the better.Trade ReviewI'm in step with Prof Jules Pretty. Who wouldn't be, when he rightly recognises the link between a healthy natural world and good mental health in humans – and trumpets the message? Like him, I love getting outdoors to feel the sun (and rain) on my skin and notice the different rhythm. You could say I've bought the T-shirt along with the waterproof walking boots and warm coat. * The East Anglian Daily Times *His celebration of the landscape incorporates memoir and poetry, natural history and spiritual reflection, but also a critique of where current policies are leading us. ‘Nature will carry on regardless,’ he suggest. ‘It is just that we might not.’ -- Matthew Reisz * Times Higher Education *Table of ContentsPreface A Geographic Locator January 1. The Winter Hesitation 2. One Glossy Ibis and Many Ticks 3. Winter Gales and Beliefs 4. Walk the Line 5. The Weight of a Snipe 6. The Old Battlefield February 7. Paths and Prints in Snow 8. Closing Time 9. To Iken 10. Saturation 11. The Box Valley March 12. Disturbing Hints of Spring 13. The Beach Crows 14. Some Spring for Celandine 15. Blackthorn Days 16. The Blue Light of Spring April 17. Two Buzzards 18. The Long Night of Hope 19. Mystery Solved 20. Nightingales and Green Men 21. Sailors' Reading Room 22. The Assington Elms May 23. The Owl and the Sun 24. The Bat and the Wild 25. Time Travel 26. Since Records Began 27. Bells in the Cow Parsley Section 28. Encounters 29. The Northern Sky 30. All Four Margins June 31. Magic in the Thicks 32. The Lost Shore 33. Hollyhock Summer 34. A Submission 35. Lay-Bys of the A12 36. The Cottage Hospital 37. Come Back the Wild 38. Anniversary July 39. Village Edgelands 40. Nature at a Nuclear Power Station 41. Digging for Victory 42. Under Another Atomic Sky 43. Heat Wave August 44. Pause for Ragwort 45. The End of the Road 46. Nightwalk 47. Soon, the Departure 48. The Tinker's Cottage 49. The Turn September 50. The Path 51. Mud Birds 52. Angels in the Back Lanes 53. Season of Mist and Fire 54. In Memoriam 55. The Rhythym of Farm Names October 56. Insect Life 57. A New Anniversary 58. Things and Doubt 59. Alarm Call 60. The Sands of Another Summer 61. Wait for the End November 62. Bonfire Night 63. At First, Silence 64. The Night Hours 65. Leaf Fall and Mists 66. Beach Fishermen and Water Sprites 67. Much Can Change in a Short Time 68. Passing Years December 69. A Marsh Murmuration 70. Poor Man's Heaven 71. Dark and Wet at Solstice 72. Pruning and Planning 73. Dark and Wet, Again 74. An East Wind Crossing the New Year Acknowledgments Notes by Tale Bibliography List of Photographs

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Book SynopsisThe rollicking tale of a first-of-its-kind adventure—driving a Tesla through Central America.Only a week after the nation’s newspapers were filled with headlines of the first cross-country trip in an electric car, two Louisianans slip quietly across the Rio Grande in south Texas in an attempt to do the unthinkable—drive a factory electric car across seven Third World countries to the “end of the road,” Panama City, Panama.Without support and armed only with a toolbox, a bag of electrical adapters, and their wits, author Randy Denmon and his friend Dean trudge on through jungles, deserts, volcanoes, rivers, and crater-sized potholes, all the while trying to avoid the drug cartels and corrupt border guards that could mean a quick end to their adventure . . . and their lives. Through it all, the same enormous problem loomed daily: how to charge the car in such a primitive and desolate setting?Despite the numerous setbacks, Randy never lost his sense of humor. Off the Grid is as much a spiritual journey as a physical one about two guys who dropped everything for one grand twenty-first-century adventure—traveling back in time in a car that seemed to come from the future.Trade Review“This good old-fashioned story of a road trip through stunning landscapes reminded me not only of Mark Twain, but also of Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods and Neither Here Nor There. This was a most enjoyable book; one I’ll remember a very long time.” —Bret Lott, author of Jewel (an Oprah Book Club selection)“Randy Denmon isn’t your average Tesla Model S owner. While many Model S owners spend their time zipping around town, or cruising from supercharger to supercharger, Denmon had grander plans for his Tesla. Wanting to prove that electricity is a viable alternative to gas-powered transit, Denmon and his buddy Dean Lewis pointed their Model S south and kept going until they had almost hit the Panama Canal.” —MotorTrend“Off the Grid is the needed road trip story of the future! It’s a great read and an on-the-edge of-your-seat ride to remember! Entertaining, funny, and a definite page turner!” —Tom Berenger, Academy Award-nominated actor and Emmy and Golden Globe winner“Produce an electric car with enough range, and the journeys it can realistically achieve become almost limitless. The most impressive trip undertaken might be that of Randy Denmon and Dean Lewis, who have driven a Model S from Texas to the Panama Canal.” —Christian Science Monitor“This tale of two guys in a futuristic car traveling across a low-tech landscape will appeal to fans of humorous travel ¬writers, such as Bill Bryson and Tim Cahill.” —Library Journal“Here is a roadtrip adventure of the best kind, full of crazy escapades with improbable outcomes. It’s a story told with wit and warmth, honesty and heart. Denmon bet big and he won.” —Dina Bennett, author of Peking to Paris: Life and Love on a Short Drive Around Half the World“Off the Grid grips the road and reader with fears of dusk-time searches for elusive electricity in inhospitable, socket-less towns. Author Randy Denmon is refreshingly unassuming and abundantly informed, and his writing has more energy than a rechargeable battery.” —Rick Antonson, author of Route 66 Still Kicks: Driving America’s Main Street“[Denmon] strikes a nice balance here between adventure and misadventure (the road to Panama was not always a smooth one), with some moments of comedy and danger thrown into the mix. It’s an entertaining tour of Latin America.” —Booklist“Randy Denmon and his friend, Dean Lewis, take us on a raucous road trip from Texas to Panama in an all-electric Tesla sedan. Their adventures include hand-sweating drives through drug cartel territory, slow going on bad roads infamous as sites of kidnapping, white-knuckle navigation on perilous mountain roads, frustrating face-offs with sullen bureaucrats and the never-ending, nail-biting search for 240-volt outlets to charge the car. This is a lively read complete with clear exposition of the technical details, well-informed commentary on each country’s political history, and moving descriptions of the almost supernatural beauty of the volcanic terrain.” —Dennis James, author of Songs of the Baka and Other Discoveries: Travels after Sixty-Five“In the spirit of the great adventurers of the past, this is a travel quest for the modern age, where the constant search for a reliable 240-volt power supply takes over from exploring undiscovered corners of the planet! This book shows that the human spirit will always seek harder, more difficult ways of doing things simply for the challenge and for the satisfaction of being ‘the first’!” —Steve Davey, author of Around the World in 500 Festivals“What possesses a couple of single guys to decide to set out, on their own, without any support, especially from Tesla, to drive in an electric car over some of the worst roads in the Western Hemisphere?” —EVWorld“[Randy Denmon and Dean Lewis] packed up in McAllen, Texas, and headed south towards Panama City, Panama, with nothing but each other and a handful of charging adapters…. Hazards included jungles, waterways and volcanoes, as well as finding places to charge in the Mexican back country.” —Autoweek“Any normal adventure seeker would have chosen a high-riding, four-wheel-drive vehicle, and this all-electric safari was about as sketchy as long solo journeys of early 20th century drivers who’d set out in primitive gas cars without certainty or support.” –HybridCars “This book is wonderful book and the author describes in detail the history of the regions he is traveling through with the beauty of the people that helped him with the issues of charging an electric car. Also, descriptive with the problems. I just wanted to keep on reading and not put the book down until fully read.” —Deborah Hughes, NetGalley Reviewer “An entertaining book about the travels of two friends in their new Tesla car and how they drove it from Texas to Panama. There was interesting history about south America and humor.” —Cathie Salvo, NetGalley Reviewer“This good old-fashioned story of a road trip through stunning landscapes reminded me not only of Mark Twain, but also of Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods and Neither Here Nor There. This was a most enjoyable book; one I’ll remember a very long time.” —Bret Lott, author of Jewel (an Oprah Book Club selection)“Randy Denmon isn’t your average Tesla Model S owner. While many Model S owners spend their time zipping around town, or cruising from supercharger to supercharger, Denmon had grander plans for his Tesla. Wanting to prove that electricity is a viable alternative to gas-powered transit, Denmon and his buddy Dean Lewis pointed their Model S south and kept going until they had almost hit the Panama Canal.” —MotorTrend“Off the Grid is the needed road trip story of the future! It’s a great read and an on-the-edge of-your-seat ride to remember! Entertaining, funny, and a definite page turner!” —Tom Berenger, Academy Award-nominated actor and Emmy and Golden Globe winner“Produce an electric car with enough range, and the journeys it can realistically achieve become almost limitless. The most impressive trip undertaken might be that of Randy Denmon and Dean Lewis, who have driven a Model S from Texas to the Panama Canal.” —Christian Science Monitor“This tale of two guys in a futuristic car traveling across a low-tech landscape will appeal to fans of humorous travel ¬writers, such as Bill Bryson and Tim Cahill.” —Library Journal“Here is a roadtrip adventure of the best kind, full of crazy escapades with improbable outcomes. It’s a story told with wit and warmth, honesty and heart. Denmon bet big and he won.” —Dina Bennett, author of Peking to Paris: Life and Love on a Short Drive Around Half the World“Off the Grid grips the road and reader with fears of dusk-time searches for elusive electricity in inhospitable, socket-less towns. Author Randy Denmon is refreshingly unassuming and abundantly informed, and his writing has more energy than a rechargeable battery.” —Rick Antonson, author of Route 66 Still Kicks: Driving America’s Main Street“[Denmon] strikes a nice balance here between adventure and misadventure (the road to Panama was not always a smooth one), with some moments of comedy and danger thrown into the mix. It’s an entertaining tour of Latin America.” —Booklist“Randy Denmon and his friend, Dean Lewis, take us on a raucous road trip from Texas to Panama in an all-electric Tesla sedan. Their adventures include hand-sweating drives through drug cartel territory, slow going on bad roads infamous as sites of kidnapping, white-knuckle navigation on perilous mountain roads, frustrating face-offs with sullen bureaucrats and the never-ending, nail-biting search for 240-volt outlets to charge the car. This is a lively read complete with clear exposition of the technical details, well-informed commentary on each country’s political history, and moving descriptions of the almost supernatural beauty of the volcanic terrain.” —Dennis James, author of Songs of the Baka and Other Discoveries: Travels after Sixty-Five“In the spirit of the great adventurers of the past, this is a travel quest for the modern age, where the constant search for a reliable 240-volt power supply takes over from exploring undiscovered corners of the planet! This book shows that the human spirit will always seek harder, more difficult ways of doing things simply for the challenge and for the satisfaction of being ‘the first’!” —Steve Davey, author of Around the World in 500 Festivals“What possesses a couple of single guys to decide to set out, on their own, without any support, especially from Tesla, to drive in an electric car over some of the worst roads in the Western Hemisphere?” —EVWorld“[Randy Denmon and Dean Lewis] packed up in McAllen, Texas, and headed south towards Panama City, Panama, with nothing but each other and a handful of charging adapters…. Hazards included jungles, waterways and volcanoes, as well as finding places to charge in the Mexican back country.” —Autoweek“Any normal adventure seeker would have chosen a high-riding, four-wheel-drive vehicle, and this all-electric safari was about as sketchy as long solo journeys of early 20th century drivers who’d set out in primitive gas cars without certainty or support.” –HybridCars “This book is wonderful book and the author describes in detail the history of the regions he is traveling through with the beauty of the people that helped him with the issues of charging an electric car. Also, descriptive with the problems. I just wanted to keep on reading and not put the book down until fully read.” —Deborah Hughes, NetGalley Reviewer “An entertaining book about the travels of two friends in their new Tesla car and how they drove it from Texas to Panama. There was interesting history about south America and humor.” —Cathie Salvo, NetGalley Reviewer

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Book SynopsisTwo hundred and fifty years ago Captain James Cook, during his extraordinary voyages of navigation and maritime exploration, searched for Antarctica - the Unknown Southern Continent. During parts of his three voyages in the southern Pacific and Southern Oceans, Cook narrowed the options' for the location of Antarctica. Over three summers, he completed a circumnavigation of portions of the Southern Continent, encountering impenetrable barriers of ice, and he suggested the continent existed, a frozen land not populated by a living soul. Yet his Antarctic voyages are perhaps the least studied of all his remarkable travels. That is why James Hamilton's gripping and scholarly study, which brings together the stories of Cook's Antarctic journeys into a single volume, is such an original and timely addition to the literature on Cook and eighteenth-century exploration. Using Cook's journals and the log books of officers who sailed with him, the book sets his Antarctic explorations within the context of his historic voyages. The main focus is on the Second Voyage (1772-1775), but brief episodes in the First Voyage (during 1769) and the Third Voyage (1776) are part of the story. Throughout the narrative Cook's exceptional seamanship and navigational skills, and that of his crew, are displayed during often-difficult passages in foul weather across uncharted and inhospitable seas. Captain James Cook and the Search for Antarctica offers the reader a fascinating insight into Cook the seaman and explorer, and it will be essential reading for anyone who has a particular interest the history of the Southern Continent.

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Book SynopsisIntrepid journalist Nellie Bly raced through a 'man's world' - alone and literally with just the clothes on her back - to beat the fictional record set by Jules Verne's Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days. She won the race on 25 January 1890, covering 21,740 miles by ocean liner and train in 72 days, and became a global celebrity. Although best known for her record-breaking journey, even more importantly Nellie Bly pioneered investigative journalism and paved the way for women in the newsroom. Her undercover reporting, advocacy for women's rights, crusades for vulnerable children, campaigns against oppression and steadfast conviction that 'nothing is impossible' makes the world that she circled a better place. Adventurer, journalist and author, Rosemary J Brown, set off 125 years later to retrace Nellie Bly's footsteps in an expedition registered with the Royal Geographical Society. Through her recreation of that epic global journey, she brings to life Nellie Bly's remarkable achievements and shines a light on one of the world's greatest female adventurers and a forgotten heroine of history.

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Book SynopsisIn 1976, areas of the great mountain regions remained unknown and acute mountain sickness was a medical mystery waiting to be explored. Into this arena stepped the Birmingham Medical Research Expeditionary Society. It was formed by a group of young doctors at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, and its members were looking for excitement. They were inquisitive, energetic and fearless. Having gathered ideas and borrowed some medical equipment, they took a plane to Kathmandu. From there they trekked to the north side of Annapurna, exploring and testing the effects of low oxygen levels on their bodies and minds. there has been a further twelve expeditions since, all investigating the effects of low oxygen on the human body. This book is a recollection of those expeditions.Table of Contents1. Thorong La, Nepal - September 1977. Sickness at 5,000m 2. Chimborazo, Ecuador - September 1979. A new pill to make you feel lower 3. Mount Kenya - January 1982. No picnic on Mt Kenya 4. Rupina La, Nepal - September-October 1984. Monsoon Blues 5. Gondogoro, Karakoram - June 1987. Down a crevasse. 6. Aconcagua, Argentina - January 1990. Science or the summit 7. Everest - April 1993. Female Hormones 8. El Paso de Agua Negro, Chile - January 1997. Black Water Pass 9. Kangchenjunga, Nepal - October 1999. Killer Storm 10. Chacaltaya, Bolivia - June 2002. The Sofa of Death 11. Ladakh, Land of High Passes - June 2005. Stok Kangri or bust 12. Parinacota, Chile - November 2008. Evil penitentes 13. Jomolhari, Bhutan - April-May 2012. Five high passes 14. Chimborazo revisited - January 2016. Exercising to exhaustion 15. Remote Sikkim - October 2019. A surfeit of beer 16. Alpine adventures 17. Big walks

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Book SynopsisThe first earnest attempt to explore the valley of the upper Yellowstone was made in 1859, by Colonel Raynolds, of the Corps of Engineers. His expedition passed entirely around the Yellowstone basin, but could not penetrate it. Ten years after Colonel Raynoldss unsuccessful attempt to solve the problem of the Yellowstone, a small party under Messrs. Cook and Folsom ascended the river to the lake, and crossed over the divide into the Geyser Basin of the Madison. The general public were indebted for their first knowledge of the marvels of this region to an expedition organized in the summer of 1870 by some of the officials and leading citizens of Montana. In the meantime, a large and thoroughly-organized scientific party, under Dr. F. V. Hayden, U. S. geologist, were making a systematic survey of the region traversed by Colonel Barlow. It is safe to say that no exploring expedition ever had a more interesting field of investigation, or ever studied so many grand, curious and wonderful aspects of nature in so short a time.

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Book SynopsisIn the feverish, money-making age of railroad barons, political machines, and gold rushes, corruption was the rule, not the exception. Yet the Republican mogul 'Big Alex' McKenzie's audacity was remarkable. Charismatic and shameless, he arrived in the recently purchased Alaskan territory with a federal district judge in his pocket, intent on claiming stewardship over any ambiguously claimed gold mines and promptly draining them of all of their ore. Working-class miners who had rushed to the frozen tundra to strike gold were appalled at his open greed and disregard for maintaining even the pretense of good faith. A Most Wicked Conspiracy tells the story of McKenzie's misdeeds, the resistance of the wronged miners, and the way the scandal captured the national spotlight -- with the press eager to show how America's political and economic life was in the grip of domineering, self-dealing, seemingly-untouchable party bosses in cahoots with robber barons, Senators and even Presidents. These events resonate well into the 21st century. At the core is an eternal question: should the law be a tool of the rich and the powerful for the accomplishment of their nefarious schemes, or an impartial force for justice from which no person can escape?

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Book SynopsisThe first time journalist Jon Lurie meets Jose Perez, the smart, angry, fifteen-year-old Lakota-Puerto Rican draws blood. Five years later, both men are floundering. Lurie, now in his thirties, is newly divorced, depressed, and self-medicating. Jose is embedded in a haze of women and street feuds. Both lack a meaningful connection to their cultural roots: Lurie feels an absence of identity as the son of a Holocaust survivor who is reluctant to talk about her experience, and for Jose, communal history has been obliterated by centuries of oppression. Then Lurie hits upon a plan to save them. After years of admiring the journey described in Eric Arnold Sevareid's 1935 classic account, Canoeing with the Cree, Lurie invites Jose to join him in retracing Sevareid's route and embarking on a mythic two thousand-mile paddle from Breckenridge, Minnesota, to the Hudson Bay. Faced with plagues of mosquitoes, extreme weather, suspicious law enforcement officers, tricky border crossings, and Jose's preference for Kanye West over the great outdoors, the journey becomes an odyssey of self-discovery. Acknowledging the erased native histories that Sevareid's prejudicial account could not perceive, and written in gritty, honest prose, Canoeing with Jose is a remarkable journey.

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Book SynopsisWe’ve all ordered from a restaurant menu. But have you ever wondered to what extent the menu is ordering you? In this fascinating new book, art historian and food lover Alison Pearlman takes an inquiring look at the design of physical restaurant menus—their content, size, scope, material, and more—to explore how they influence our dining experiences and choices (if they do at all). After years of collecting menus and studying their cultural significance through the lens of art history, Pearlman realized they were also profoundly important sales tools, affecting everything from a restaurant’s operations and profits to a diner’s expectations and behavior. There was just one problem: she wasn’t exactly convinced that any menu had ever swayed her own choices. So she set off on a mission to understand if, how, and when menus work in appealing to us diners, visiting and meticulously documenting more than 60 restaurants of all stripes in the greater Los Angeles area. In May We Suggest, Pearlman combines her own dining experiences with research from a broad range of disciplines, from experience design to behavioral economics. What emerges is a captivating, thought-provoking study of one of the most often read but rarely analyzed narrative works around: the humble menu.Trade ReviewAdvance praise for Alison Pearlman’s May We Suggest:“This is a dangerous book—for your waistline, your wallet, and your sense of reason. . . . Call this a tasting menu of foodie heavenly history.” —Paco Underhill, author, Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping“An effective and engaging discovery of the mechanisms that, in more or less subtle ways, orchestrate our experiences when we eat out. A great tool to understand how restaurants work.” —Fabio Parasecoli, professor of food studies, New York University

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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