Description

Book Synopsis

What does it mean to be an explorer in the twenty-first century?

This is the story of what first led Benedict Allen to head for the farthest reaches of our planet - at a time when there were still valleys and ranges known only to the remote communities who inhabited them. It is also the story of why, thirty years later, he is still exploring. Benedict decides to journey back to a clouded mountain in New Guinea to find an old friend called Korsai, and to fulfil a promise they made as young men.

Explorer tells the story of what it means to be 'lost' and 'found'.



Trade Review
A nuanced and sensitive long conversation with the people of Papua New Guinea. . . [Allen] is a sensitive observer . . . [he] has an ear for dialogue and the inconsequential, and a gift for bringing alive the characters he meets * * The Times * *
A remarkable journey unfolds . . . [Allen] writes clean, honest prose, creating startling images of all he sees . . . an extraordinary story, painfully assembled and beautifully told * * Spectator * *
A love song to the Yaifo and all peoples struggling to maintain dignity and culture in a world gone wrong * * Daily Telegraph * *
Honest, sensitive and gives a brilliant look at a world most of us just dream about * * Our Man On The Ground Travel * *
Brilliant. Reads like a thriller -- MARCUS du SAUTOY

Explorer: The Quest for Adventure and the Great

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    £10.44

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    RRP £10.99 – you save £0.55 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Thu 18 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Benedict Allen

    2 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Explorer: The Quest for Adventure and the Great by Benedict Allen

      Publisher: Canongate Books
      Publication Date: 02/03/2023
      ISBN13: 9781786896261, 978-1786896261
      ISBN10: 1786896265

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      What does it mean to be an explorer in the twenty-first century?

      This is the story of what first led Benedict Allen to head for the farthest reaches of our planet - at a time when there were still valleys and ranges known only to the remote communities who inhabited them. It is also the story of why, thirty years later, he is still exploring. Benedict decides to journey back to a clouded mountain in New Guinea to find an old friend called Korsai, and to fulfil a promise they made as young men.

      Explorer tells the story of what it means to be 'lost' and 'found'.



      Trade Review
      A nuanced and sensitive long conversation with the people of Papua New Guinea. . . [Allen] is a sensitive observer . . . [he] has an ear for dialogue and the inconsequential, and a gift for bringing alive the characters he meets * * The Times * *
      A remarkable journey unfolds . . . [Allen] writes clean, honest prose, creating startling images of all he sees . . . an extraordinary story, painfully assembled and beautifully told * * Spectator * *
      A love song to the Yaifo and all peoples struggling to maintain dignity and culture in a world gone wrong * * Daily Telegraph * *
      Honest, sensitive and gives a brilliant look at a world most of us just dream about * * Our Man On The Ground Travel * *
      Brilliant. Reads like a thriller -- MARCUS du SAUTOY

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