Description
Discover the epic history of exploration and migration, and the stories of fearless pioneers the world over, with this stunning tour of history map by map. Charting everything from the movement of early Homo species out of Africa some 1.8 million years ago to the astonishing voyages of Polynesian sailors across the Pacific from 4,000 BCE, and from the California Gold Rush to the Race for Space, entries explain the movements of people and cutures who set off into the unknown in search of adventure or a better life.
Specially commissioned maps show the key driving factors of each journey, and why certain routes were chosen over others—whether due to climate, terrain, or territory—while stunning contemporary examples offer fascinating insights into the unique world-views and political motivations of the people who commissioned them, and the cartographers who created them.
The voyages of history's greatest explorers—from Zheng He to Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo—are brought to vivid life with accompanying photos, illustrations, and original artefacts, along with recent missions to chart the depths of the oceans and the surface of Mars. And entries also explore the experiences of established Indigenous groups and the impact of settler populations.
Museum Story
The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History is the world's preeminent museum and research complex dedicated to inspiring curiosity, discovery, and learning about the natural world through its unparalleled research, collections, exhibitions and educational outreach programs.
Details
- Hardcover
- 288 pages
- 12.1" x 10.3"
- Published 2025
