If you want to see some explorers plummet off a cliff, this is the place. Written in honour of the Explorers Club of New York, it starts wonderfully. I dare say Adolphus Greely is limited to being in American books, as I'd never really heard of the man and his exploits, but these chapters early on – even when reciting how Shackleton and two others had to bare-butt toboggan down a mountain (and not plummet off a cliff) for their very survival – are vivid, colourfully written and redolent of the best stories the Club's halls could ever hear.

Some of that tries to stick around in the second third, as we get closer to our own timeline, and see the changes in what exploration means when the map is filled in, the dragons have been chased from the printers' margins and the superlatives are being ticked off. But the rot sets in. Yes we have the evenings in the Club with the Apollo survivors, and solar planes, etc, but we get a fair bit of underwater observations, which – perhaps through lack of exposure and unfamiliarity – just don't float my boat nearly as much as the rest. And we also get nearly drowned in the subaquatic pressure of wokeness.

By the third and final chunk here we are clutching at straws – someone gets lauded for being the first female of colour to do something. That is not a First. Fer cryin' out loud, you've already had one mahoosive expert in these things say young wannabe explorers should latch on to someone they see and admire – and it doesn't matter what gender, colour, shape, age and wealth they are. Here's a lifelong boffin at such things nixing the 'representation is everything' shtick, and the author having to ignore that 'wrong' message and plough his own furrow.

Yes, to be fair, the Club has been woeful in allowing non-whites and women to be represented, to quite disgusting levels. But don't pander to this cause just to fill a book like this, especially when it started so well.

Rant over. By the end we see the real diversity the subject brings – the explorers of tomorrow are conserving turtles, crunching data for space knowledge, even perhaps training AI to detect exo-planets, but all the whole this section seems to be an advertorial for anyone the author met in the Club, and not anything with a precise thesis to back up.

As a survey of the whole industry of exploration, an homage to the greats, and as a touchstone connecting us to those doing it now, quite often too far from the media glare, this starts marvellously and goes downhill fast. Quite regrettable.

"The Explorers Club: A Visual Journey" takes you on a thrilling adventure through the captivating realms of exploration, seamlessly blending the past, present, and future. This visually stunning masterpiece, curated by none other than The Explorers Club, immerses readers in a world where the spirit of discovery knows no bounds.

From the heart-stopping exploits of historic pioneers to the cutting-edge frontiers of modern exploration, every page bursts with vivid imagery and enthralling narratives. The book not only pays homage to the intrepid explorers who paved the way but also propels us into the future with a glimpse of what lies beyond the horizon.

The Explorers Club doesn't just present a collection of awe-inspiring photographs; it weaves a narrative that sparks the curiosity within us. The book is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, celebrating the insatiable hunger to uncover the unknown. Whether you're an armchair adventurer or a seasoned explorer, this visual journey is a must-have for your collection. It's not just a book; it's an invitation to embark on a timeless odyssey—one that transcends the boundaries of space and time. Get ready to be transported into a world where every page tells a story of courage, curiosity, and the unquenchable thirst for discovery.

This is a very nicely produced and photographed book!

I'd never heard of The Explorers Club prior to reading this, and enjoyed learning about it and its mission. Quite inspiring, and makes me want to "keep on travelin'," as Rick Steves would say.

I learned a lot about previously unknown (to me) explorers, and especially enjoyed the photography. The club and I definitely differ in terms of scientific approach (and the book has its share of hot-button topics, notably climate change and inclusivity) and attribution; the club--at least in this read--attributes life and earthly existence to evolution compared to my attribution to and belief in the Creator. That felt a bit at odds to me; reading so many of the stories and pictures, I came away asking how one could _not_ believe in God. But here we are.

Still, definitely an interesting read and a stepping-stone for further reading and research.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book helps you embark on a captivating voyage through history, adventure, and discovery with The Explorers Club.

It unravels the past - providing a chronological thrill ride from the club's 1904 founding to the present day. It describes iconic expeditions and groundbreaking discoveries from the highest peaks to the deepest oceans, all led by legendary members like Teddy Roosevelt, Neil Armstrong, and Jane Goodall.

Beyond this it also helps you to dive deeper than the stories: Vivid narratives reveal the human spirit of exploration, the unyielding urge to push boundaries and unveil the unknown. These inspiring tales breathe life into the history of adventure.

The text illuminates romanticized heroes who define the evolution of exploration. It uncovers its vital role in scientific advancement, environmental conservation, and cultural understanding. The book challenges the stereotype of the daring adventurer and sheds light on the multifaceted realities of exploration.

This work helps you celebrate the past while peering into the future. It informs the reader of the club's unwavering commitment to empowering future explorers and tackling pressing global challenges like climate change and resource depletion.

As a former member of several exploratory expeditions, this visually stunning and intellectually stimulating book is a treasure trove for anyone who is captivated by curiosity, wonder, and the irresistible call of adventure.

The Explorers Club took me on such an incredible journey. I started with 0% former knowledge of the topic but my curiosity was totally piqued--and this book delivered. I can already tell this book will be a hit for holiday gifting and reading.


Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for the ARC.

"The Explorers Club" takes readers on an exciting journey through the world of modern exploration, shedding light on the captivating adventures and innovations that this esteemed organization is currently involved in. As a long-time fan of exploration and adventure narratives, I was thrilled to dive into this book and discover what The Explorers Club is up to in our contemporary times.

The book effectively captures the spirit of curiosity and the unquenchable thirst for discovery that has defined The Explorers Club for generations. It introduces readers to a diverse cast of modern explorers who are pushing the boundaries of human knowledge, from deep-sea dives into uncharted ocean depths to ambitious space missions exploring the outer reaches of our universe. The tales of their journeys are infused with a sense of wonder and a genuine commitment to the spirit of exploration.

What truly shines in "The Explorers Club" is the glimpse it provides into the cutting-edge technology and scientific advancements that are being harnessed in pursuit of new frontiers. The descriptions of the tools and techniques used by these modern explorers are fascinating and offer a unique perspective on how the field of exploration has evolved over time.

However, while the book succeeds in painting a vivid picture of the club's contemporary endeavors, I couldn't help but wish for a deeper dive into some of the more riveting and unexpected stories of adventure and discovery. While the accounts presented here are undoubtedly intriguing, there seemed to be a missed opportunity to unearth more unconventional narratives that could have added an extra layer of excitement to the book.

In conclusion, "The Explorers Club" offers an engaging look into the current activities and achievements of this storied institution. It is a must-read for anyone with a passion for exploration and a curiosity about what lies beyond our known boundaries. While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I couldn't help but feel that it could have delved even further into the realm of captivating and extraordinary stories that would have elevated it to a full five-star rating. Nonetheless, it remains a commendable addition to the world of modern exploration literature.

As a young man, I scoured our local library (pre-internet) for information on famous explorers and their adventures. That's when I discovered the "Explorer's Club". Many an afternoon and evening was spent reading and daydreaming about their exploits.
Reading this book took me back to those days, and reignited my old passion. I was very pleased to see that the book did not just cover the old "white men on safari" trope, but included female explorers in it's chapters. Also subjects like exploring space.
It's well written, fun, and expands your knowledge and horizons.
Hopefully we will never run out of new places to explore!

As a teenager, I was an Explorer Scout based at the Explorer's Club in New York City. This book perfectly evokes the history and awe the physical place creates — and tells the stories of many of the (almost all) men who explored our planet's mountains and seas and then came to the Club to tell their stories. This book compiles some of those stories alongside outstanding photos. It's a fascinating look at a time when there was so much to learn about the Earth and its people. It doesn't shy away from the fact that these discoveries often led to exploitation. But most powerful is the book's focus on the future: there is still so much to explore and discover on our planet and in the wider universe.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

This book was great. You are able to learn interesting information about the past of The Explorers Club. The book goes into more current day exploration of the oceans and space. The book also covers some of women's exploration. I also like the pictures through out the book..

I absolutely loved reading this book. I was completely drawn into the topic and could not stop reading it.

This was a fun read!! I could see it working really well as a coffee table book. The pictures are beautiful and lure you in; the stories are interesting and make you stay. I loved this!

I'm a big fan of the show Tales From the Explorer's Club so when I saw this book, I was excited to read it. I will admit a few stories I was familiar with but there were others that truly inspired me, especially the first story and yes, I realize the story was about Greely and I was aware of him, I never realized the impact his wife had made and reading more of this story was so engaging, she never gave up.

I was saddened to hear how long it actually took for women to be admitted into the club and how diverse members were disregarded. I don't care how you spin it now, it's hard to just let it slide as that's how it was and more importantly how long it took to rectify.

I always press my daughter on knowing the women who were firsts and yet, here's a book that details out so many that I hadn't even heard of and have made such amazing contributions.

All in all, I enjoyed the stories .

At the dawn of the twentieth century, the Explorer’s Club was born. Men were eager to explore every corner of the globe, reveal its secrets and bring the natural world to heel. Traveling from the highest summits of the Himalayas to the depths of the sea floor, the darkest jungles and now, the conquest of space, this is a fascinating book. Accompanied by historic and beautiful photos, this is an examination of our need to know, to understand and often, to subjugate the world around us