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The Art of Exploration
Lessons in curiosity, leadership and getting things done.
216 pages, Hardcover
Published June 1, 2021
28 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 24, 2021
This is an inspiring read. The themes have been carefully thought out to include facts, personal experiences of Levison’s and information about well-chosen people which complete the chapters. I highly recommend this book to explorers and travellers alike even if that’s just wandering in the local area.
April 18, 2023
An inspiring book - I particularly liked that it included practical advice alongside more philosophical insights.
July 24, 2021
Love this author and his style of writing is always entertaining. I wasn't disappointed with this book, and some of the themes were important and inspiring - presenting many common topics in a very unique way that was his own. I half felt it could have been more though. I can't quite put my finger on the why, but would have liked to opportunity to take a way a little bit more from this read.
Non the less I do recommend, as he has a unique style of writing and presentation and always provides a good read and I'll always be interested in what he has to write.
Non the less I do recommend, as he has a unique style of writing and presentation and always provides a good read and I'll always be interested in what he has to write.
July 5, 2023
I know little of Levison Wood - Never seen his TV series. Never read a book of him. Must have read about him in a newspaper and ear marked this to read myself.
Its part memoir, part guide - for both travel and life itself. Split over 11 chapter on different topics, there is always an historical figure - hand drawn at the start of the chapter and then referenced mid way through to make a point. Amelia Earhart.... Captain Oakes... those types.
A little bit of repetition but on the whole, interesting read with some decent points about a life well lived. I liked the chapter where he introduces the british military's 8 point plan for dealing with issues - called the combat estimate. He recommends using it daily life, the way he did to set up his travel company. Looks a little complex but you can google it. Also the four types of people on missions - I recognise myself as dead wood.
At times, you wish he would balance the positives of his experiences with more negatives. Hitchhiking across great distances whilst a penniless young man couldnt have been all fun and games. To an extent, he does this but never enough to balance. I suppose the chapter where he details a terrible car accident and questions everything about his life does this in spades.
Also things are never black and white. One of his chapter heroes in Captain Tom. But most people recognise how much he was manipulated by his daughter - a money grabbing self promoter who is on the news this morning (July 2023) - accused of illegal builds in the foundations name.
May look for more of his work - in print and on TV,
Its part memoir, part guide - for both travel and life itself. Split over 11 chapter on different topics, there is always an historical figure - hand drawn at the start of the chapter and then referenced mid way through to make a point. Amelia Earhart.... Captain Oakes... those types.
A little bit of repetition but on the whole, interesting read with some decent points about a life well lived. I liked the chapter where he introduces the british military's 8 point plan for dealing with issues - called the combat estimate. He recommends using it daily life, the way he did to set up his travel company. Looks a little complex but you can google it. Also the four types of people on missions - I recognise myself as dead wood.
At times, you wish he would balance the positives of his experiences with more negatives. Hitchhiking across great distances whilst a penniless young man couldnt have been all fun and games. To an extent, he does this but never enough to balance. I suppose the chapter where he details a terrible car accident and questions everything about his life does this in spades.
Also things are never black and white. One of his chapter heroes in Captain Tom. But most people recognise how much he was manipulated by his daughter - a money grabbing self promoter who is on the news this morning (July 2023) - accused of illegal builds in the foundations name.
May look for more of his work - in print and on TV,
July 13, 2021
3.5 stars
I like Levison's writing style and think he did a good job balancing new material while weaving in parts of his previous books. Because I've read a lot of books like this one I didn't come away feeling like I learned a lot or was very inspired (I am someone easily inspired so I still was while reading this, just not more than usual). Definitely worth a read if you are a fan of his, but I don't know that I'd really recommend this to someone who isn't familiar with his other books as it jumped around a bit.
I like Levison's writing style and think he did a good job balancing new material while weaving in parts of his previous books. Because I've read a lot of books like this one I didn't come away feeling like I learned a lot or was very inspired (I am someone easily inspired so I still was while reading this, just not more than usual). Definitely worth a read if you are a fan of his, but I don't know that I'd really recommend this to someone who isn't familiar with his other books as it jumped around a bit.
January 17, 2022
Like others have mentioned, I took my time with this book, and found it inspiring. I have read several of Lev’s books and watched some of his video documentaries, so I’ve heard some of the stories before. I appreciate how he weaved his adventures and lessons of the road into this book on leadership. A truly talented writer!
October 19, 2023
Not really what I was expecting having seen his TV shows, but it was his only book in the local library. What this book has done is light a fire for me. It must have been a decade or more since I'd actually "read a book", and this one hit the spot..I finished it in a week and have been reading since. A great writer that has engaged a non-reader. Recommended.
January 9, 2022
It took me a while to finish this book, I kept picking it up and putting it down but I’m glad I stuck with it. I love Levison’s documentaries and his insights on leadership align with my own. Nothing groundbreaking but a good read nonetheless.
January 11, 2023
This book is a great tool to learn many skills, Lev writes really well and his usual story telling way is a nice addition to a book that essentially has a lot of self help facts in it. It's one of those you can re-read and each time you'll learn something new. I'm excited to re-read it
May 13, 2025
A good read/listen. Mixed between a travel memoir and philosophical life lessons, sort of like a self help book but without the cringe! Filled with interesting stories and quips about dealing with what life throws you.
August 5, 2021
An incredibly positive, life affirming read. Excellent
January 12, 2024
It's fine, but I was hoping for more stories.
January 8, 2025
Eventually picked it back up and finished it
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews