From ancient sea voyages to modern-day explorations of deep space, discover the expeditions that have shaped our world and the daring individuals who undertook them.

Extraordinary Expeditions highlights more than 30 of the most influential expeditions in history. While some will likely be familiar to readers, such as Christopher Columbus's journey to the New World or Charles Darwin's travels in the Galapagos Islands that inspired his theory of natural selection, others are less well-known but no less important. The book examines a diverse array of expeditions, spanning almost 2,000 years and including all seven continents and beyond. Care has been taken to include journeys conducted by women, people of color, and non-Westerners in order to provide a more comprehensive and inclusive volume.

The profiled expeditions are organized chronologically, although a geographical entry list ensures readers interested in a specific region can quickly find relevant material. Each entry includes a description of the expedition, as well as an analysis of its historical context and lasting impact. Maps allow readers to trace the paths of these expeditions, while a collection of primary documents offers valuable insights from those embarking on these journeys.

History's greatest expeditions have been prompted by many motivations, from a love of adventure to a desire for fame, from the promise of economic prosperity to a thirst for scientific knowledge. Regardless of why it was undertaken, each of these expeditions had significant impact that endured long after the adventure was over.