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Expedition
There are dark corners of our planet that have 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 endeavor. Accompanying a 10-part series on BBC and PBS, Expedition is a breathtaking journey into the unknown, and a brilliantly written celebration of the pleasures of genuine discovery.
480 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 30, 2020
Perfect lock-down escapism to unexplored parts of the world. If you can’t travel, then at least you can read about it!
August 17, 2024
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!
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!
January 2, 2020
Steve's autobiographies are my favorite non-fiction books of all time. If you enjoy nature and scientific discoveries, this book is a gem.
September 6, 2020
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.
April 19, 2020
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.
May 16, 2025
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.
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.
February 26, 2025
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
But it's not that bad. Just a bit unnecessary
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October 18, 2019Picked 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.
March 10, 2025
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.
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.
November 30, 2024
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*
4.5* rounded down to 4*
February 21, 2020
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!
April 19, 2020
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.
May 18, 2020
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.
October 20, 2020
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.
April 11, 2024
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!
August 1, 2019
What an amazing read! It gives you a real insight into expedition woes, struggles and wonders.
April 18, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. I found it interesting and well written
May 21, 2020
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?
August 21, 2020
Inspiring but at places a bit dull
September 14, 2020
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.
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.
April 27, 2021
A lovely tale of being able to still get to the special unknown places that exist in the world.
October 23, 2021
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!
Anyone who likes scientific discoveries, wildlife etc, will love reading this!
January 30, 2022
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!
February 12, 2023
Makes me want to get back outside adventuring!
March 4, 2024
It was ok but not exceptional. Some sections were a bit long.
January 24, 2025
A really fascinating read!
June 7, 2025
Great snapshot stories into various expeditions.
November 18, 2025
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.
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.
August 29, 2024
Steve Backshall is back four years after Mountain with another collection of adventures across the globe. This time Backshall has put together a plan for a variety of expeditions in Mexico, Greenland, Oman, Suriname, Bhutan and Borneo. Unlike the previous book which focused on mountaineering this one covers a range of expedition activities, including cave diving, canyoning, kayaking, cross-country trekking, and jungle exploration (although there are still plenty of mountain tales!).
The premise of the book is that he and his team gave themselves a year to search the world for new and unexplored areas to try and put the unknown on the map. The preparation and planning for each trip is extensive and he is clear about the dangers of going into the uncharted and remote places on the planet, but he is also as serious about the importance of the potential breakthroughs and new species and locations.
Backshall has become a father, and the expeditions are during the first year of his son’s life. This means that his new adventures are often in conflict with his family life because he must be away for weeks at a time and misses his wife and son. Fatherhood and the new sense of mortality and what is precious in life give his discoveries a new clarity and the struggles and dangers a new focus. He must balance his desire to explore the unknown with the knowledge that he must keep himself safe for his family too.
I found this book very interesting, though I am glad I am not in Backshall’s shoes for most of the adventures, as they sound more terrifying than exhilarating to me. It takes a certain kind of person to want to put themselves in these situations and accompanying them in book form is enough for me! He has inspired me to find much smaller adventures closer to home though and to set myself on a path to explore, develop and challenge my skills.
The premise of the book is that he and his team gave themselves a year to search the world for new and unexplored areas to try and put the unknown on the map. The preparation and planning for each trip is extensive and he is clear about the dangers of going into the uncharted and remote places on the planet, but he is also as serious about the importance of the potential breakthroughs and new species and locations.
Backshall has become a father, and the expeditions are during the first year of his son’s life. This means that his new adventures are often in conflict with his family life because he must be away for weeks at a time and misses his wife and son. Fatherhood and the new sense of mortality and what is precious in life give his discoveries a new clarity and the struggles and dangers a new focus. He must balance his desire to explore the unknown with the knowledge that he must keep himself safe for his family too.
I found this book very interesting, though I am glad I am not in Backshall’s shoes for most of the adventures, as they sound more terrifying than exhilarating to me. It takes a certain kind of person to want to put themselves in these situations and accompanying them in book form is enough for me! He has inspired me to find much smaller adventures closer to home though and to set myself on a path to explore, develop and challenge my skills.
October 24, 2024
I could not put this book down. It's written in an exciting way. Steve is so inspiring!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews