Beyond the Known is an examination of how humanity's need for exploration has shaped our progress through history and how it will eventually take us into the unknowns of space. Written by SpaceX mission manager Andrew Rader, it's a book that reads less like hard science and more like wide-eyed awe of what our species has (and will) accomplish. This has become one of my favorite non-fiction finds of 2019 so far.

Rader breaks down the book into four main epoch's of explorations: Classical, European, Scientific Advancement, and the future of space travel. The book progresses at a breakneck speed, gleefully covering incredible topics that could (and probably do) have full length books written on them: the rise of the Greeks and their influence on the world, pre-Columbus discoveries of the Americas, advanced civilizations in North America, China's rise and fall as an exploratory power, and the impact of diseases in the New World being some of my favorites. Rader's chapter on the future of space travel is also particularly well informed, coming from someone so well positioned to speak on the subject.

Rader's writing style never gets bogged down in too much scientific detail to turn off the layperson, and his excitement and knowledge shine through in the paragraphs which makes this a very easy and fun read for anyone interested in human history.

**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Scribner.**

This is a well written book making for an engaging read that is more like fiction at times. The author breaks down the book into four parts in chronological order. The first three are on the discoveries made by early and more recent explorers and how they helped shape the world that we live in. The last section is devoted to the last great untapped area of exploration - space where a great deal is still left for future endeavors. 

I recommend this book for those looking for an engaging read on the how our world was shaped by exploration and the opportunities for the future.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my fiction book review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook  page.

Beyond the Known is a interesting and informative book. The author has done his research and the book is well written.

This wonderful book is a history of man's exploration of everything since modern humans departed from the Rift Valley in Africa to the future of space travel. Everyone simply must read this very informative and well written book. Andrew Rader packs more startling information in this one book than any other that I have ever read. Mr. Rader has a real gift for expressing his very broad range of knowledge and putting everything in a readable and enjoyable form. You MUST read this book!