Greek mercenaries, having backed the wrong side in a civil war, fight their way out of the Persian Empire. Heroism, leadership, and a great read!

The fantastic documentary Wood's book is based on. Wood's attempt to recreate Alex's paths has to be seen to be believed.

Real life writings from the man who has become the patron saint of travel adventure

Best edition (in any language) of these critical, first-hand accounts of the conquest of Mexico. One of the most bizarre, harrowing adventures of all time. With plenty of notes to help the reader

For a change, the Aztecs' own telling of the conquest, written native informants shortly after their defeat

In some ways, this was more daring than the flight to the moon. And it was certainly more hair-raising. Well written work on a guy (and expedition) we should know better.

One of the more popular figures from the "golden age" of piracy

Can be dry, but a critical document on the "opening" of the Pacific islands to Europeans. And a mind-boggling voyage to boot.

Their ship sinking, the life boats taken by dignitaries, 150 cram into a makeshift raft. After 2 weeks of exposure, thirst, cannibalism, only 15 survive. As big in its day as the Titanic is today

Oh my dear God! Two years trapped in Antarctica with no supplies or hope of rescue? Mind-blowing story of courage and determination that just keeps getting more harrowing until its jaw-dropping end

The final word on the Titanic's ill-fated maiden voyage. An absolute page-turner.

Their ship sunk by a Japanese sub, the surviving sailors faced floating wreckage, fuel oil slicks, dehydration... and lots and lots of sharks.

Basis for the great movie "October Sky," true account of young boys swept up in the '50s space race, determined to make their own very real rocket

For those who have dreamed of lost treasures and sunken galleons. The search for the Atocha is tragic, uplifting, frustrating, and very satisfying

Terrifying, gripping. Although a part of me is irritated about “reconstructing” voyages that no one survived… thus giving us nothing to actually reconstruct them with….

Tragic, compelling read that looks at one harrowing adventure, but quietly asks why we climb the $#%& mountain in the first place.

Eeeep. The story made international headlines. His prose greatly enhances the story without going overboard in effect.