What does it feel like to walk off the edge of a map? To emerge dazed, dying yet triumphant, from the Amazon? Benedict Allen''s anthology of human exploration ranges across various terrains - hot and cold deserts, mountains and plains, jungles and high seas - and presents the words of those who, through the centuries - be they Vikings or missionaries, conquistadors or botanists - have set off into ''the unknown''.

''Immaculately edited and shrewdly considered . . . a hugely readable compendium.'' Independent on Sunday

''A monumental feat of compilation and editing, and will satisfy every armchair traveller.'' Literary Review

''A generous, handsome volume, that will provide hours upon hours of absorption and revelation.'' The Times