Being an explorer is not for the squeamish and exploring the new world brought front and centre particular types of characters. Each of the explorers described in this work was quite different, yet they shared the yearning to find something new and if necessary, to risk everything on the venture. Even though history records them as explorers they most likely considered themselves as adventurers. This engaging volume lifts us effortlessly through the centuries to a day when verve and daring were called for on a daily basis.