Explorers of the Ancient World; Viking Explorers

Explorers of the Ancient World describes the voyages made by the Ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians and Greeks in the first and second millennia B, C., whilst Viking Explorers recounts expeditions and journeys to Iceland, Greenland, Britain, Europe and the New World from the end of the 8th century onwards.

Each book contains a wealth of detail about the reasons for the voyages, the kind of ship used, the hazards involved and the discoveries that were made.

The bravery and ingenuity of these early explorers is awe-inspiring and their feats justly extolled. However, because 'all the surviving accounts of the Vikings' raids are written from the point of view of the victims' they are still popularly regarded merely as 'barbaric, ruthless pirates'. Many, of course, were not only skilful sailors but superb craftsmen, peaceful farmers and astute traders.

Both these titles cover ground that has been well-trodden in the past. But where they score over many of their rivals is in the way that lively texts, creative artwork and clear maps blend together in a cohesive whole calculated to enhance both our enjoyment and our understanding.