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Books > Fiction > True stories > Discovery / historical / scientific
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The Travels
(Hardcover)
Marco Polo; Translated by Nigel Cliff
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R593
R487
Discovery Miles 4 870
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A sparkling new translation of one of the greatest travel books
ever written: Marco Polo's seminal account of his journeys in the
east, in a collectible clothbound edition. Marco Polo was the most
famous traveller of his time. His voyages began in 1271 with a
visit to China, after which he served the Kublai Khan on numerous
diplomatic missions. On his return to the West he was made a
prisoner of war and met Rustichello of Pisa, with whom he
collaborated on this book. His account of his travels offers a
fascinating glimpse of what he encountered abroad: unfamiliar
religions, customs and societies; the spices and silks of the East;
the precious gems, exotic vegetation and wild beasts of faraway
lands. Evoking a remote and long-vanished world with colour and
immediacy, Marco's book revolutionized western ideas about the then
unknown East and is still one of the greatest travel accounts of
all time. For this edition - the first completely new English
translation of the Travels in over fifty years - Nigel Cliff has
gone back to the original manuscript sources to produce a fresh,
authoritative new version. The volume also contains invaluable
editorial materials, including an introduction describing the world
as it stood on the eve of Polo's departure, and examining the
fantastical notions the West had developed of the East. Marco Polo
was born in 1254, joining his father on a journey to China in 1271.
He spent the next twenty years travelling in the service of Kublai
Khan. There is evidence that Marco travelled extensively in the
Mongol Empire and it is fairly certain he visited India. He wrote
his famous Travels whilst a prisoner in Genoa. Nigel Cliff was
previously a theatre and film critic for The Times and a regular
writer for The Economist, among other publications, and now writes
historical nonfiction books. His first book, The Shakespeare Riots,
was published in 2007 and shortlisted for the Washington-based
National Award for Arts Writing. His second book, The Last Crusade:
Vasco da Gama and the Birth of the Modern World appeared in 2011
and was shortlisted for the PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize.
"Walking with Houyhnhnms", published in 2017, is a true adventure
story along the Roman Military Way, in the shadow of Hadrian's
Wall. Follow the exploits, often humorous, of three previously
free-living ponies - Roamer, Thorn and Solo. After enduring
pack-animal training, they share an epic, once-in-a-lifetime quest,
coast to coast, westwards. Discover the unique emotional
connection, bonding and interdependency that is possible between
houyhnhnm and human. As Solo says, "It was a momentous time."
Targeted at a 15+ and general adult audience, the 400-page,
114,000-word, largely present-tense narrative transcends faction:
this factually accurate travelogue diary, told in a unique
fictional style, is a story of friendship, mutual reliance,
perseverance and survival. The author - with contributions from
more than 100 schoolchildren met en route and from 12 teenage
artists - describes, through the senses of non-human, philosopher
companions, an expedition of illumination not attempted previously
in the modern era. Explore informally, during rendezvous with
experts, inspiring geographical, historical and archaeological
facets of changing landscapes partially shaped by the ancestors of
modern-day native houyhnhnms. Understand why Britain's remaining
virtually wild equine herds are facing imminent extinction in their
semi-natural habitats and how we might protect them. Should we
redefine the term "biodiversity" in recognition of a view that
places humans at the periphery of world ecosystems? As your journey
continues, you may sense a new meaning to our relationship with
wild and virtually wild species. "One day," insists Roamer, "you
might enjoy walking with houyhnhnms." Copyright D A Murray 2018
1543 saw the publication of one of the most significant scientific
works ever written: De revolutionibus (On the Revolutions of the
Heavenly Spheres), in which Nicolaus Copernicus presented a
radically different structure of the cosmos by placing the sun, and
not the earth, at the centre of the universe. But did anyone take
notice? Harvard astrophysicist Owen Gingerich was intrigued by the
bold claim made by Arthur Koestler in his bestselling The
Sleepwalkers that sixteenth-century Europe paid little attention to
the groundbreaking, but dense, masterpiece. Gingerich embarked on a
thirty-year odyssey to examine every extant copy to prove Koestler
wrong... Logging thousands of hours and hundreds of thousands of
miles Gingerich uncovered a treasure trove of material on the life
of a book and the evolution of an idea. His quest led him to copies
once owned by saints, heretics, and scallywags, by musicians and
movie stars; some easily accessible, others almost lost to time,
politics and the black market. Part biography of a book and a man,
part bibliographic and bibliophilic quest, Gingerich's The Book
Nobody Read is an utterly captivating piece of writing, a testament
to the power both of books and the love of books.
In the seventy years since the disappearance of Amelia Earhart and
her navigator Fred Noonan during a flight over the Central Pacific,
their fate has remained one of history's most debated mysteries
despite dozens of books offering solutions. This book is different.
It draws on thousands of never before published primary source
documents to present a narrative that corrects decades of
misconception. Ric Gillespie offers a very realistic picture of
Earhart, her attempted world flight, the events surrounding her
disappearance, and the U.S. government's failed attempt to find
her. Scrupulously accurate yet thrilling to read, the book is based
on information uncovered by the International Group for Historic
Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR). Gillespie, TIGHAR's executive director
and a former aviation accident investigator, notes that he does not
argue for a particular theory but supports the hypothesis that
Earhart and Noonan died as castaways on a remote Pacific atoll.
About the Author Ric Gillespie, a recognized authority on Earhart's
disappearance, has led eight archaeological search expeditions to
the Pacific. A resident of Wilmington, DE, he has written about the
subject for Life and Naval History.
LONGLISTED FOR THE ALCS GOLD DAGGER FOR NON-FICTION 'One of the
mysteries I've long been fascinated by, and I am so grateful that
Ravi Somaiya has cracked it open so brilliantly' David Grann,
author of Killers of the Flower Moon A PLANE CRASH IN THE JUNGLE. A
LEGENDARY STATESMAN DEAD. A TRAGIC ACCIDENT... OR THE ULTIMATE
CONSPIRACY? For nearly sixty years, the circumstances surrounding
the death of renowned diplomat Dag Hammarskjoeld have remained one
of the Cold War's most tightly guarded secrets. Now, with exclusive
evidence, investigative journalist Ravi Somaiya finally uncovers
the truth. In 1961 the Congo was in crisis, fragmented and at war
with itself. The streets of Leopoldville, the capital, were
crawling with CIA operatives, MI6 agents and Soviet infiltrators.
Belgian colonialists, Rhodesian white supremacists and corporate
mercenaries massed in the south of the country. The chaos conspired
to make it one of the most dangerous places on earth. UN Secretary
General Dag Hammarskjoeld, the man John F. Kennedy called 'the
greatest statesman of our century' flew into the maelstrom. He was
an idealist. The Congo's best hope for peace and independence. But
en route to a diplomatic summit to reunite the country,
Hammarskjoeld's plane mysteriously disappeared. Soon afterward he
was discovered dead in the smoking wreckage, an Ace of Spades
playing card placed on his body. A riveting work of investigative
journalism based on new evidence, recently revealed first-hand
accounts, and groundbreaking interviews, Operation Morthor reveals
the plot behind one of the longest-standing murder mysteries of the
Cold War, with dark implications for governments and corporations
alike.
RHS Staff Pick of the Year 2021 Spectator Gardening Book of the
year 2021 'A refreshingly insightful history of plant
introductions.' - Roy Lancaster Travel the world with extraordinary
tales of the botanical discoveries that have shaped empires, built
(and destroyed) economies, revolutionised medicine and advanced our
understanding of science. Circling the globe from Australia's
Botany Bay to the Tibetan plateau, from the deserts of Southern
Africa to the jungles of Brazil, this book presents an incredible
cast of characters - dedicated researchers and reckless
adventurers, physicians, lovers and thieves. Meet dauntless Scots
explorer David Douglas and visionary Prussian thinker Alexander von
Humboldt, the 'Green Samurai' Mikinori Ogisu and the intrepid 17th
century entomologist Maria Sibylla Merian - the first woman known
to have made a living from science. Beautifully illustrated with
over 100 botanical artworks from the archives of the Royal Botanic
Gardens, Kew, this absorbing book tells the stories of how plants
have travelled across the world - from the missions of the Pharaohs
right up to 21st century seed-banks and the many new and endangered
species being named every year. *** THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW
is a world-famous research organisation and a major international
visitor attraction. It harnesses the power of its science, the rich
diversity of its gardens and collections to unearth why plants and
fungi matter to everyone. Its aspiration is to end the extinction
crisis and help create a world where nature and biodiversity are
protected, valued and managed sustainably.
The recorded history of the diving industry has been fundamentally
corrupted over the past 150 years. The result is a complete
misunderstanding of how it all began. Who invented the diving
helmet? Refer to any encyclopaedia or history book and the answer
you will find will almost certainly be wrong. The First Treasure
Divers reveals the true and fascinating story. It blows away the
myths and deliberate misinformation that have crept into the
historical record. Thanks to the painstaking research the author
has carried out over the past 25 years, the falsehoods are peeled
away to unveil the true, definitive account. It follows the lives
of two brothers as they struggle to turn their newly-invented
diving helmet to advantage and how they wrestle with apathetic and
even hostile authorities for recognition of their invention. It
thunders through sunken treasure adventures to the heroism and
horrors of the Crimean War. The impact of the invention of the
diving helmet is immense. In the 180 years since the Deane brothers
carried out the first ever commercial helmet dive off the Isle of
Wight on the south coast of England, the diving business has
expanded to a global industry with an annual turnover in excess of
$3,000,000,000. From another point of view, the life-support
technology developed in the diving industry provided the knowledge
for keeping the pioneering, high altitude pilots alive, which in
turn evolved into the life-support systems of the astronauts who
walked on the moon.
A charming children's encyclopedia for little learners who love
exciting journeys and incredible discoveries. The world is so much
bigger than young minds can fathom and there is always more to
learn. My Encyclopedia of Very Important Adventures is a vibrant
encyclopedia for curious 5-9 year olds with an exciting
introduction to the awe-inspiring adventures of eager explorers,
dynamic daredevils, imaginative inventors and other pioneers who
shaped the world. Combining fun facts with charming illustrations,
young readers can take a dive into the unknown and go on a daring
journey across land, sea and sky, as they explore the highest
mountains, the deepest oceans and everything in between. Celebrate
your child's curiosity as they travel through time to visit the
workshops, labs and studios of history's most important minds,
whilst the read about the pioneers who dared to go where nobody had
ever been before! My Encyclopedia of Very Important Adventures is
bursting with all sorts of subjects that early readers will love!
From scientists and inventors to builders and thinkers, this
adventure book is perfect for curious little kids with a thirst for
knowledge. Mixing photography and colourful illustrations, kids
will discover important facts about the world's most renowned
explorers, pioneers, risk-takers and more. My Encyclopedia of Very
Important Adventures is a friendly book that gets children
learning, reading, and laughing too! Celebrate your child's
curiosity as they: - Read fun facts about a variety of different
people who shaped the world - Learn all about archeologists,
scientists and more who made mind-boggling discoveries - Discover a
unique approach to the subject that focuses primarily on events Our
encyclopedia for children is the perfect blend of engaging and
striking photography with lively text. Encourage early learners to
go on a journey into the animal kingdom to explore a world of
information, making this the ideal first reference book for kids
aged 5-9 to enjoy for hours on end, whether for shared reading at
bedtime or reading alone, this fun fact book for children also
doubles up as the perfect gift for curious kids who love to learn.
Tell the story of the world one page at a time, by uncovering: -
Educational content written in a friendly and fun manner -
Beautifully padded cover with several high-quality finishes,
including padding and foil - Features a built-in ribbon bookmark so
you never lose your place whilst reading More in the Series My
Encyclopedia of Very Important Adventures is part of the
educational kid's book series My Very Encyclopedia series. Complete
the series and nurture your child's curiosity of the animal kingdom
with My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, teach them about
different sports with My Encyclopedia of Very Important Sport, or
let them walk with the dinosaurs who ruled the earth before them in
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Dinosaurs.
In 1934 international entrepreneur and filmmaker Charles Bedeaux
hired a team of Canadian men to trail blaze from Edmonton, Alberta,
to Telegraph Creek, BC. What started out as adventure for Carl
Davidson and Bob Beattie soon became a treacherous and
heartbreaking journey. While Bedeaux hob-nobbed with Europe's elite
in Paris, Beattie and Davidson suffered impossible challenges and
near starvation in BC's harshest country. After five years of
misadventure and virtually no communication from Bedeaux, Beattie
and Davidson were informed that the mission had been called off,
just before Bedeaux was arrrested for espionage. The ill-fated trip
is just one of many stories gleaned from the memories of pioneers
who settled the interior of British Columbia during the first half
of the twentieth century. Hardships and misfortune were the norm,
but as Boudreau discovers, many possessed an intangible mettle and
a sense of humour that saw them through rough times. In "Trappers
and Trailblazers" Boudreau has preserved stories in danger of
disappearing, and his extraordinary research has also uncovered a
collection of intriguing and previously unpublished photographs.
On 26th July 1986 a train derailed after striking a van at an open
level crossing in a remote East Yorkshire village. The resulting
carnage killed nine people, injured 42 and left dozens of survivors
and families reeling from the shock for the rest of their lives.
Now for the first time the full story of that tragedy can be told
by the people who were there. The horror of the survivors, the
bravery of the rescuers and the heartache for the people left
behind. From one disaster came a campaign to have open crossings
banned and to make sure a disaster like Lockington will never
happen again. Richard M Jones is a researcher who has made it his
life's ambition to record forgotten disasters and events lost to
history. His achievements include writing the first book about the
Great Gale of 1871 and placing a memorial for the Lockington
victims. A serving member of the Royal Navy, he lives in
Bridlington.
A legendary lawman, buffalo hunter, Indian fighter, and newspaper
columnist, Bat Masterson served as sheriff of Ford County, Kansas,
ruled Dodge City, and became an eyewitness to the heyday of the Old
West's most notorious outlaws. His thrilling collection of
mini-biographies reveals fascinating details about a host of
legendary gunslingers, painting a vivid portrait of a world of
sharpshooters, cattle rustlers, and frontier justice. First
published as a series of magazine articles in 1907, these
life-and-death dramas introduce you to some of the most famous
gunfighters America has ever known.
The roundup includes Wyatt Earp, who had a reputation for courage
and calm, but went on the warpath when one of his five brothers was
killed by stagecoach robbers; Doc Holliday, a mean-tempered dentist
who loved poker and moonshine -- and found trouble wherever he
traveled; Ben Thompson, a fearless gunman who served in the Civil
War and was determined to continue fighting after the last battle
ended; Luke Short, a slightly built man with nerves of steel, who
started out as a gambler and ended up a Shakespeare-quoting
gentleman; and Bill Tilghman, who captured some of the West's most
desperate criminals. Illustrated with forty-eight rare 19th-century
photos, these colorful accounts will appeal to anyone with a love
of Western lore.
Edward Payson Weston's 3,100-mile walk from California to New York,
completed on 3 May 1910, was one of his great achievements, but
only one. It took him just 77 days. He was 71 years old. For half a
century Weston was one of the most famous people in the
English-speaking world, as the first age of international celebrity
unfolded. The godfather of the pedestrianism movement, he
criss-crossed Britain and America on foot earning fame, fortune and
notoriety in an athletic career that saw him complete some of the
most amazing endurance feats ever witnessed. In this entertaining
and wide-ranging book, co-authors Nick Harris, Helen Harris and
Paul Marshall, skillfully recreate a vanished world to tell one of
the most amazing stories in sporting history. Part social history,
part biography, part exposition of the seedy underbelly of
Victorian society, this is a work that draws in elements of
sporting genius, high stakes gambling, drug abuse, and marital
scandal. A Man in a Hurry is one man's flamboyant athletic journey
from the Gold Rush to the Jazz Age, the story of a dreamer, schemer
and ladies man who met with Presidents and royalty, crooks and
knaves. With its colourful detail, historical context and readable
style, this groundbreaking work is an important addition to the
sports literature canon.
'Many a beautiful plant cultivated to deformity, and arranged in
strict geometrical beds, the whole pretty affair a laborious
failure side by side with divine beauty.' A Thousand-Mile Walk to
the Gulf is the second book in John Muir's Wilderness-Discovery
series. It is within this work that we are really given strong
clues toward Muir's future trailblazing movement for environmental
conservation, in such comments as 'The universe would be incomplete
without man; but it would also be incomplete without the smallest
transmicroscopic creature that dwells beyond our conceitful eyes
and knowledge.' Muir's walk from Indiana to Florida was conceived
in order to explore and study further the flora and fauna across
states. He undertakes this alone, a dangerous choice perhaps so
soon after the civil war, as many characters along the way
forewarn. Indeed, Muir is threatened by a robber, and we see a new
side to the quiet, lowly gentleman we know as he springs into
self-defence mode with lightning initiative and remarkable courage.
This is not the only facet of Muir's personality that is uncovered
throughout this journey. He makes reference to feeling 'dreadfully
lonesome and poor', which is intriguing as his circumstances are
self-sought: 'Stayed with lots of different people but preferred
sleeping outside alone where possible'. He spends a substantial
period of time struck down with malaria, which does not come as a
surprise; he was covering many miles on an unsustainably meagre
diet with thirst often quenched with swamp water or not at all.
Join Muir in Kentucky forests, Cumberland mountains, Florida swamps
and all the elegantly described trees, plants, creatures and rocks
in-between. A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf teaches us as much
about Muir himself as it does the ecosystems in the wilderness
across those 1,000 miles.
'Penelope Bagieu ... is a kind of genius. This book already feels
like a classic, one to be loved by every girl who reads it from now
until the end of time.' Rachel Cooke, The Observer Immerse yourself
in the captivating adventures of some of history's unsung heroines,
whose stories are told through engaging voices, dazzling drawings
and with startling wit. Discover the life of an apache warrior
dubbed "strong as a man and braver than most of them", the only
female Empress of China, three rebel sisters who toppled a fascist
regime, a dancer who escaped poverty in America to become the
darling of the Paris jazz scene and a resistance fighter, and a
little girl who grew up to realise that being a witch is better
than being a princess. Take in the stories of volcanologists,
astronauts, animal whisperers, activists and explorers and feel
ready to take on the world. Illustrated by award-winning Parisian
artist Penelope Bagieu, humorous dialogue and uncommon true tales
make Brazen an ideal book for anyone who loves trail blazers and
courageous women, from Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls to The
Handmaid's Tale.
On 14th April 1912 the Titanic struck an iceberg on her maiden
voyage and sank. Fifteen hundred passengers and crew lost their
lives. As the order to abandon ship was given, the orchestra took
their instruments on deck and continued to play. They were still
playing when the ship went down. The violinist, 21 year-old Jock
Hume, knew that his fiancee, Mary, was expecting their first child,
the author's mother. One hundred years later, Christopher Ward
reveals a dramatic story of love, loss and betrayal, and the
catastrophic impact of Jock's death on two very different Scottish
families. He paints a vivid portrait of an age in which class
determined the way you lived - and died. An outstanding piece of
historical detective work, AND THE BAND PLAYED ON is also a moving
account of how the author's quest to learn more about his
grandfather revealed the shocking truth about a family he thought
he knew, a truth that had been hidden for nearly a hundred years.
Curious to find out what it means to be an Anglo-Indian? Join
Andrea Malam BEM as she shares the story of her journey from Bombay
to London, and the search for her ancestry and identity. Along with
her contributors, Andrea reveals the Anglo-Indian experience in
different countries as she investigates what it means to be a
modern-day Anglo-Indian. Discovering changing perceptions along the
way, they explore the rich memories, culture, and successes of
their community. Along with stories of positive thinking, passion,
and determination, Andrea reveals the Anglo-Indian experience in
different countries.
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