This collection features the lives of nine remarkable people, whose stories have inspired generations of adventurers. With Francis Drake we raid the Spanish Primary and sail all over the world. With Richard Burton we cross the deserts of Arabia. Hiram Bingham discovers the dropped town of the Incas. Amelia Earhart personifies the heroic exploits of the early days of aviation. With Scott and Amundsen we race south Pole; with Hillary and Tenzing we conquer the summit of Everest. Thor Heyerdahl, like some latter-day Viking, crosses the oceans of the globe in his small craft. Although separated by hundreds of years, all are united by their attention, courage and the unquenchable nature of adventure.