The Explorer's Eye

In the 18th century, exploration entered a new dimension - explorers were motivated by scientific inquiry rather than greed. To this end they were expected to make a full record of everything they encountered; and for the first time in history, that record was to include pictures as well as words. Combining gripping first-hand accounts with original images, THE EXPLORER'S EYE gives an insight into who these people were and what they saw. They were a mixed bunch but, whatever their training or background, they provided a vivid portrait of the unknown. In the early days they drew their own pictures, later they were equipped with draughtsmen, later still they carried cameras, and ultimately they were accompanied by film crews. The power of their images is matched by that of their journals. Here you have Alexander von Humboldt braving the electric eels of South America and Robert Peary explaining his relationships with Eskimos.

In the eighteenth century, exploration entered a new phase; for the first time explorers were motivated by scientific inquiry rather than greed. Their job was not only to open new lands but also to investigate the globe's mysteries. They were now expected to make a full record of everything they encountered, and include pictures as well as words.

Combining firsthand accounts with original images, The Explorer's Eye gives insight into who these people were, how they operated, and, above all, what they saw. Here you have Alexander von Humboldt braving the electric eels of South Africa, Robert Peary explaining the rigors of polar travel (and his wife giving her own slant too), Umberto Nobile lamenting the loss of his Zeppelin in an ice floe, Jacques Cousteau examining the planet from under the waves, and Neil Armstrong doing the same from outer space.

Drawing on a multinational archive of drawings, paintings, photographs, and journals, with expert commentary to set each expedition in context, and an introduction by Michael Palin, this book is a unique look at the world we inhabit.