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The National Geographic Society: 100 Years of Adventure and Discovery

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For more than 100 years, the National Geographic Society has been bringing to a worldwide audience thrilling true stories of adventure, discovery, and natural wonders. In this celebratory volume, bursting with stunning photography and dramatic accounts, award-winning author C.D.B. Bryan brings to life the Society's formidable legacy.

484 pages, Leather Bound

First published January 1, 1987

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About the author

C.D.B. Bryan

24 books7 followers
Courtlandt Dixon Barnes Bryan, better known as C. D. B. Bryan, was an American author and journalist.

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5 stars
42 (38%)
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44 (40%)
3 stars
21 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Andrew.
2,639 reviews
December 16, 2012
I have been a member of National Geographic for some years (I think coming up to 30) and the quality and material it prints never ceases to amaze me (no wonder my father is always stealing them off me). This book not only celebrates the first 100 years but takes various subjects that they have covered over the years - from national disasters to world changing historical events and shown how they have been chronicled in the pages of their publications. The book has charted how the society grew and developed, how it embraced change and new media to become the window on the world of science and nature it is today. this book was a real pleasure to read - and for anyone with an inquisitive mind - you will find something of interest in its pages.
Profile Image for Jonathan.
37 reviews
October 7, 2025
I loved learning about the early history of the society, the explorations, and the desicion making behind the magazine. Towards the end of the book, discovery switched from exploration on land to exploration in science, which lost my interest. This was the main reason why my love for contemporary NG waned. I enjoy more of the humanities than the science.
Profile Image for Craig Bolton.
1,195 reviews87 followers
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September 23, 2010
National Geographic Society: 100 Years of Adventure and Discovery (Abradale Books) by C. D. B. Bryan (2001)
Profile Image for Ron.
1,811 reviews9 followers
July 5, 2012
What a great book!! The photos and the text track the interesting & thrilling adventures of discovery of the World's natural wonders.
I learned a lot about the many explorers over the last 100 years.
19 reviews
April 2, 2019
Very good although it wasn't what I thought it was going to be. I thought this was going to be a collection of National Geographic's articles from the last 100 years. It does have some short versions of articles but it is actually a history of the National Geographic Society itself. Interesting and informative, although it does bog down every now and then with long lists of members of who was on the list of trustees, who was running what department, and so on at various points during the last hundred years.
270 reviews
November 30, 2020
A very interesting "backstage" history of the National Geographic magazine. Also includes some of the most iconic photographs and excerpts from various stories published in the last 100 years. It makes me nostalgic for the spirit of exploration that had been part of the mainstream culture until we somehow lost it in the 1970s.
Profile Image for Stormy.
596 reviews3 followers
November 13, 2022
I purchased this beautiful, large-format book for the photography. I’ll be looking at it to get moments of inspiration.
Profile Image for Herman.
167 reviews
October 11, 2023
An excellent review of the first 100 years of the National Geographic Society. Of course, one enjoys the pictures first of all. But, this book also covers all the heavy hitters of this organization. From the founders A. Graham Bell, and Gilbert Grosvenor. GG was the one that started including photos in the NGS magazine. He is known as the father of photojournalism. Also in this book are the better-known photographers of this magazine. And their photo art. Very fascinating stuff
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jack Hansen.
492 reviews36 followers
October 2, 2013
A real enjoyment sitting on my coffee table, this book draws company to its internal journey around the world, compliments of National Geographic's talented photographers and perceptive prose writers who describe the book's contents.
Profile Image for Rob Schmidt.
47 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2014
Good overview of the National Geographic's history. A bit too scattershot for readers who aren't NG aficionados.
Profile Image for daniel dirnfeld.
150 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2017
Beautiful images typical pictures by national geographic.this book is a treasure worth buying.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews