In "Explorers: A New History," Matthew Lockwood challenges our traditional understanding of "discovery," redefining it as a multifaceted process driven by curiosity, necessity, and the pursuit of knowledge rather than mere conquest.

Lockwood posits that exploration is a shared endeavor of cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. He argues that discovery is not just about encountering something new, but about how those encounters shape our perspectives and understanding of the world and ourselves. This fresh take on exploration highlights the contributions of lesser-known individuals from diverse backgrounds, whose knowledge and skills were often crucial to the success of more famous expeditions.

The book brings to light several unsung heroes of exploration. For instance, Tupaia, a Polynesian navigator, proved indispensable to Captain James Cook's 18th-century Pacific expeditions. Similarly, Matthew Henson, an African American explorer, played a pivotal role in Robert Peary's expedition to the North Pole in the early 20th century. These stories not only demonstrate the courage and determination of these individuals but also underscore the power of diversity in shaping our understanding of the world.

Lockwood's work is a quick read—I finished it in two short sessions—but it packs a powerful punch. He skillfully reframes our understanding of exploration, giving voice to underrepresented explorers whose contributions have been historically overlooked or erased. The author's approach is refreshing, though I sometimes wished for even more depth on some of the fascinating individuals he introduces.

If you're interested in exploration, particularly from non-traditional perspectives, I highly recommend this Norton Short. Lockwood's "Explorers: A New History" challenges our preconceptions and inspires us to reconsider the nature of discovery and the diverse voices that have shaped our understanding of the world.

This review is of an advance reader copy provided by W.W. Norton & Company and NetGalley. The publication date is October 15, 2024.

Fascinating and extremely informative read, one that sheds great light on the many in-betweens of exploration that our traditional western education initially taught us. For that reason alone I highly recommend this book—it's sobering, enlightening, adventurous, and rich. However, if you, like me, were expecting a more creative and immersive storytelling format versus a stronger scholarly bent then this book might not be for you.

Short but jam packed tale, full of interesting lives of fascinating people! More books should be told of these interesting individuals.