They were a mixed bunch - scientists, naval careerists, lone wanderers, sometimes plain adventurers - but whatever their training or background they provided a vivid portrait of the unknown. In the early days they drew their own pictures, later they came with qualified draughtsmen, later still they carried cameras, and ultimately they were accompanied by professional film crews. The power of their images is matched by that of their writing.Here you have Alexander von Humboldt braving the electric eels of South America, George Lyon offering his opinions of North Africa society, John Ross grumbling about the ice in the North-West Passage, Robert Peary explaining his relationship with Eskimos (his wife giving her own slant on them, too), Umberto Nobile lamenting the loss of his Zeppelin on an Arctic floe, Freya Stark pondering the beauty of Arabia, Jacques Cousteau explaining the planet from under the waves and Buzz Aldrin doing the same for outer space.Drawing on a multi-national archive of paintings, photographs and journals, with expert commentary to set each expedition in context, and an introduction by Michael Palin, this book is a unique introduction to the world we inhabit.

 

In the 18th century, exploration entered a new dimension - explorers were motivated by scientific inquiry rather than greed. To this end they were expected to make a full record of everything they encountered; and for the first time in history, that record was to include pictures as well as words. Combining gripping first-hand accounts with original images, 'The Explorer's Eye' gives an insight into who these people were and what they saw. They were a mixed bunch but, whatever their training or background, they provided a vivid portrait of the unknown. In the early days they drew their own pictures, later they were equipped with draughtsmen, later still they carried cameras, and ultimately they were accompanied by film crews. The power of their images is matched by that of their journals.

 

Here you have Alexander von Humboldt braving the electric eels of South America, Robert Peary explaining his relationships with Eskimos, Jacques Cousteau examining the planet from under the waves and Neil Armstrong doing the same from outer space. Including: Humboldt (D); Stanley (UK); Nansen (N); Abruzzi (I); Foureau (F); Hedin (S); Peary (US); Bingham (US); Ammundsen (N); Scott (UK); Shackleton (UK); Byrd (US); Nobile (I); Mallory (UK); Hillary (NZ); Cousteau (F). Large hardcover with DJ, Near Fine or New.