The Faber Book of Exploration: An Anthology of Worlds Revealed By Explorers Through the Ages

by Benedict Allen

. with dustjacket, bright clean copy

Genres: History, Travel, Nonfiction, Unfinished, Anthologies, Memoir

Hardcover

First published October 21, 2002

About the author

Benedict Colin Allen is a British writer, traveller and adventurer known for his technique of immersion among indigenous peoples from whom he acquires skills for hazardous journeys through unfamiliar terrain. In 2010, Allen was elected a Trustee of the Royal Geographical Society. He has recorded six TV series for the BBC, either alone or with partial or total use of camera crews, and has published ten books, including the Faber Book of Exploration, which he edited.[1]

Reviews

[Richard Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a fantastic collection of hugely varied writing about travel. From the famous names of the great age of exploration, through to lesser known, but equally interesting tales of daring and challenge. It covers over 1500 years of travellers tales, which alone makes this a very unusual book. I recommend this to anyone interested in travel or travel writing, as I do not think there is another book quite like it. The standard of the writing is variable, but all is interesting. The one drawback is that given the encyclopaedic coverage of dozens and dozens of writers, the amount from each writer can be very short. But then I think this is best considered as a taster to encourage you to go and read more about the ones you find most interesting!

If you are struggling with the font size - the hardback edition is much easier to read!

[Michael Percy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is certainly a tome. The text is very small, with introduction to each piece is written in even smaller font, with the notes in the smallest font I can read without a magnifying glass and my glasses. The book is about 3 inches thick, too, so getting through all 800 pages was no mean feat. This is an anthology of great texts, and for someone who is interested in, but not enthralled by, travel literature, the book is ideal. The "anthologer" is an ardent cultural "immerser" - a technique I enjoy - and an adventurer, so the anthology is put together rather well. Thoroughly enjoyable, and I am considerably more knowledgeable about far-off places and the extremes of geography.

[Ainsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets five stars because the hardcover version just looks so impressive on the shelves. Inside are four star excerpts from records (or recollections) of exploration throughout the ages. A nice selection.

[Chels S · Rating 1 out of 5]

Woke as hell.

[Mads · Rating 4 out of 5]

True tales from the golden age of exploration. How can one top that? I don't care much for the glamorized photo of the editor on the back cover flap but I'll let that pass. It's the kind of book I read again and again, like the Mammoth Book of Endurance. After reading the journals of the great explorers I resolved never to be whiny in my writings, or complain about the leeches, discomfort, smell, or other small inconveniences.

[L. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm docking this book some points because of the tiny print. I ended up having to use a magnifying glass. To readers thinking about reading this compilation, I would recommend getting the ebook version so you can increase the font size.

[Sooz · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my fave people on this planet - His books are a must for a good collection. Warning, his books may inspire to travel and spread wings.