Expedition: Adventures into Undiscovered Worlds

by Steve Backshall

Shine a light into the unknown

There are still dark corners of our planet that are yet to be explored. In this remarkable book, Steve Backshall offers an unflinching account of his adventures into these uncharted territories around the globe, in search of world firsts. Each location brings its own epic challenges - whether it's the first climb of an arctic ice fall in Greenland, the first recorded navigation of a South American river, or the first exploration of the world’s longest cave system in Mexico. But all of them represent new tests of the limits of human endeavour.

Accompanying a major 10-part series on BBC and Dave, Expedition is a breathtaking journey into the unknown, and a brilliantly written celebration of the pleasures of genuine discovery.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Audiobook, Adventure, Biography

480 pages, ebook

First published July 18, 2019

Reviews

[Silja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect lock-down escapism to unexplored parts of the world. If you can’t travel, then at least you can read about it!

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve's autobiographies are my favorite non-fiction books of all time. If you enjoy nature and scientific discoveries, this book is a gem.

[Izzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been reading this on-and-off since 2019, and I’ve finally finished it!! 😂🫶

It was an amazing book, filled with adventure and more nerve-wrecking experiences than I’d ever want to endure lol

The way Steve backshall narrates each of the 10 expeditions is so detailed and thorough that at times, it felt like I was there experiencing it alongside him and the team, though that may be just my ‘prone to overthinking’ imagination 😂🥲

I’ve actually lost track of how many near-death experiences were in this book lol, whether it be pirhanas, rockfall, or river rapids; at times it made the tone heavy but showed the realistic nature of any adventure, and how quickly things can take a turn for the worst 🫣

For me this book was ★★★☆☆ just because it was a slog to get through, even though I did enjoy reading each adventure!

[Ffion Molyneux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me add a million places to the bucket list because it’s just so exciting reading about the firsts and amazing scientific discoveries that they made on the expedition. Super inspiring.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little rough around the edges, but when it was basically written on location and submitted before he'd even left Borneo, it can be forgiven. Deadlines are a bitch. Otherwise, true drama, true heart and passion, and a wonderful insight not only into the struggles of the expeditions we *didn't* get to see, but also into the people who called these intense places their home. I didn't think I'd enjoy reading it as much as watching, but, while it's true I appreciate the programs even more now, I sincerely loved this book. I'll be picking up his other, and no doubt referring back to it if I need a dose of reality in a difficult location within my own fantasy books. Because I've always held that the world around us is just as strange and mysterious as anywhere you could make up.

[Jon S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book, very well written and engaging. Though some have said it's rough around the edges (Backshall himself stats at the end that the due date for his manuscript was before he even got home from the trips), it personally floats my boat and makes the book all the more engaging and raw.

Though does sometimes come across as just a rich man doing rich-person things, whilst preaching about vegetarianism/veganism and fighting climate change (despite all the long-haul flights and helicopter rides he would have taken).
A strong example of this is Backshall stopping locals from hunting animals for food during his expeditions, regardless of if that'd be the only greater meal they would have had for a while - morally right, but ironic and hypocritical.

[Tom Frost · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably 2/5 is a bit harsh but as Backshall admits in the acknowledgements this was put together in a hurry and it shows. It feels very much an add on to the TV series with little more to say so I felt I'd heard or seen it all before. I also wasn't grabbed by the firsts he was aiming for an achieving. I'm sure they were challenging and worthy but they all seemed a little obscure. I'd have been just as interested in his travels without the slightly made up reason behind it all.
But it's not that bad. Just a bit unnecessary

[Adam Della Rocca]

Picked it up off the shelf, expecting a heroic (macho) tale. Instead, left with a good impression of author who is incredible dedicated to showcasing the wonders of the Earth and our environment and the toll we are taking on it. He also was humble and wrote eloquently. At times, it was a bit stuffy with poor storytelling about campfire jokes, but he was always so complimentary of the men and women of his teams.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished it on audio book and can't tell you just how much i loved it. Steve is a educated Biologist, a passionate naturalist & ecologist, an intrepid adventurer & explorer, broadcaster......you get the picture.
This book covers a year of expeditions of 'firsts' across the globe & the prose is so evocative & emotive you can picture every step of the seemingly madcap adventures.
Having Steve reading it really brings it to life.

[Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slightly rough around the edges, but nonetheless impressive and entertaining account of the incredible venture undertaken by Steve Backshall (a childhood hero of mine) and his awe-inspiring team as they spend 12 months exploring some of the few corners of our planet that remain unexplored and untouched.

4.5* rounded down to 4*

[William Tindale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but it did seem a bit rushed (which he does admit at the end), but still a good read of a genuinely nice guy doing amazing and sometimes extremely dangerous things that only the rest of us can dream about doing!

[Georgina Lilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a big lover of non-fiction books, but the way Steve is able to perfectly describe the adventures he went though in this book, makes you feel like you are experiencing it with him in real time. A perfect book to escape cabin fever during lockdown.

[Stacey Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I loved every page of this book. To think there is so much out there that remains untouched and unspoilt just blows my mind. This is such a fantastic account of some amazing experiences. It grips you and fascinates you and is never boring. Wow.

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable armchair travel to places too difficult for me to ever see even without a pandemic. Exactly what I needed to escape into. Written with warmth and a clear love of the environments and animals within it, added so looks of camp humour and anecdotes make this read like a chat with a friend.

[Mat Greener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a series of adventures & well documented too with humour, facts & heart in mouth descriptions of feats. Probably the only trip that would hold any trepidation for Steve would be a package holiday!

[Russell Wardle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a big fan of Steve backshall for a long time and this book does not disappoint. I'm not sure whether to be envious of his life or glad I didn't go down that track but he has lived incredible one

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read! It gives you a real insight into expedition woes, struggles and wonders.

[Kelly918 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. I found it interesting and well written

[Mai-ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Adventures in climbing, caving, diving and kayaking in some of the most amazing places in the world. Who wouldn't want to do that?

[Tao Chen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring but at places a bit dull

[Frank Bria · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must read for any adventurer

This book held me captive from the first page to the last. The real, honest, and raw first-hand experiences enthralled me to the very core.

[Ian Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely tale of being able to still get to the special unknown places that exist in the world.

[FBI · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is genuinely of the best and inspiring books I've read so far.

Anyone who likes scientific discoveries, wildlife etc, will love reading this!

[Fran Sykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A proper adventure story, which transports you all over the globe. Steve Backshall has a wonderful way of describing places, his passion and enthusiasm is second to none - pure escapism!

[Phillippa Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes me want to get back outside adventuring!

[Mélodie Herbas · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok but not exceptional. Some sections were a bit long.

[Emily Corkish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fascinating read!

[Enda Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great snapshot stories into various expeditions.

[Roseb · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Read simultaneously with watching the show, so some repetition, but I will listen to it again.

[James Huggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book even though I was born a little early to be a Steve Backshall kid. He seems like a great guy to hang out with and I relate to his sense of and definitions of adventure.

Makes it so much better that he reads the book himself. I appreciate that he conveys how much an expedition can suck as otherwise I’d be so jealous.