Concise and interesting accounts of the men and women who have explored our world--and beyond.

When William Beebe was born in 1877, scientists had only begun to explore the natural world, a world that fascinated Beebe even as a child. He studied migratory birds, rain forest canopies, and ocean depths. Beebe was a pioneer of ecology, observing wildlife in their natural habitats.

Profiles eight black explorers, ranging from pioneers of the 1700s to people working today.

Offers a look into the life of Matthew Henson, from his humble birth to his crucial role in the discovery of the North Pole.

Examines "the saga of the [Richard Francis] Burton and [John Hanning] Speke expedition. To better understand their motivations and ultimate success, Dugard guides readers through the seven vital traits that Burton and Speke, as well as many of history's legendary explorers, called upon to see their impossible journeys through to the end: curiosity, hope, passion, courage, independence, self-discipline, and perserverence. In doing so, Dugard demonstrates...

"You might know that Columbus discovered America, Lewis and Clark headed west with Sacajawea, and Sally Ride blasted into space. But what do you really know about these bold explorers? What were they like as kids? What pets or bad habits did they have? And what drove their passion to explore unknown parts of the world? With juicy tidbits about everything from favorite foods to first loves, Lives of the Explorers reveals these fascinating adventurers...

"Learn about what kinds of jobs these fearless female scientists and explorers do, and how you can follow in their footsteps"-- "Track a volcanologist as she braves the elements atop an active volcano. Travel alongside a mountaineer as she battles stereotypes--and frostbite--to conquer the famed Seven Summits. Join a conservationist on her passionate fight to save lions. Dig with a paleontologist to uncover massive dinosaur fossils, bit by breathtaking...