This striking narrative non-fiction tells the real-life story of a young man who turns his back on society to live in the Alaskan wilderness. Despite a privileged background and a promising future, he donates his savings to charity, abandons his car and most of his possessions, and embarks on a journey into the wild. His solitary existence in the wild, his struggles for survival, and his untimely death provide a profound exploration of the allure of wilderness and the human yearning for solitude and self-discovery.

This book is a detailed account of a Venetian merchant's extensive travels throughout Asia during the 13th century. The narrative provides a comprehensive exploration of the diverse cultures, customs, landscapes, wildlife, and wealth of the Eastern world, including the Mongol Empire and China, where the author spent time in the court of Kublai Khan. His descriptions of the grandeur and sophistication of these civilizations challenged European assumptions about the East, and his tales of exotic wonders and adventures continue to captivate readers today.

This book recounts the incredible true story of a French expedition to the Himalayas in the early 1950s. The team, led by an experienced mountaineer, faces extreme weather conditions, challenging terrains, and life-threatening situations in their quest to conquer the Annapurna peak. Despite losing fingers and toes to frostbite, the leader becomes the first person to reach the summit of an 8,000-meter peak, marking a significant milestone in mountaineering history. The narrative is not just about the physical journey but also delves into the psychological and emotional struggles of the climbers.

"Farthest North" is a riveting firsthand account of a polar expedition undertaken in the late 19th century. The author, a Norwegian explorer, recounts his daring attempt to reach the North Pole by allowing his specially designed ship to be frozen into the Arctic ice and carried by the drift. The narrative includes fascinating descriptions of the Arctic environment, thrilling tales of survival against harsh conditions, and scientific observations. The expedition, although it did not reach the North Pole, achieved the highest latitude to that date and contributed significantly to Arctic exploration.

"News from Tartary" is a riveting account of a seven-month journey across 3,500 miles of the desolate and remote areas of China, from Peking to Kashmir. The author and his companion, disguised as locals, face numerous challenges including harsh weather, dangerous landscapes, and political instability. The narrative provides a fascinating glimpse into the cultures, histories, and geopolitics of the regions they traverse, capturing the essence of an Asia that has since undergone significant transformation.

The book chronicles the harrowing voyage of the British Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, led by Sir Ernest Shackleton, which set sail in 1914 with the goal of making the first land crossing of the Antarctic continent. However, their ship, the Endurance, became trapped and then crushed by pack ice in the Weddell Sea, leaving the crew stranded. The narrative vividly recounts the crew's extraordinary feat of survival as they endured the brutal Antarctic conditions for months on end, facing extreme cold, starvation, and isolation, before managing a daring escape in lifeboats to reach safety. It is a remarkable tale of leadership, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The book is a riveting travelogue that follows the author's harrowing journey into the depths of the Congo Basin, seeking to uncover the truth behind the legends of a dinosaur-like creature said to inhabit the region. Accompanied by a motley crew of scientists and adventurers, the author battles the relentless forces of nature, encounters a myriad of dangerous wildlife, and grapples with the psychological strains induced by the harsh and unpredictable environment. The narrative is as much an exploration of the human spirit and the bonds formed in extreme circumstances as it is a quest for a mythical beast, all told with a blend of humor, vivid description, and keen anthropological insight.

"Conquistadors of the Useless" is a riveting memoir of a renowned mountain climber, sharing his thrilling experiences in the world of mountaineering. The book takes the reader on a journey through some of the most challenging and dangerous climbs, including the first ascents of Annapurna and Makalu. The author also provides a profound insight into the psyche of climbers, the risks they take, and the reasons behind their seemingly irrational passion for climbing. The book is not just about climbing but also about the human spirit and its relentless pursuit of achievement.

"Touching the Void" is a gripping tale of survival and adventure that follows two mountaineers on a dangerous climb in the Peruvian Andes. After one climber breaks his leg, his partner is forced to leave him behind in order to save his own life. The injured climber, left alone in the wilderness, must find the strength and determination to crawl back to base camp, despite his severe injuries and the harsh elements. This true story is a testament to the human spirit and the will to survive against all odds.

"The Crystal Horizon" is a gripping account of the author's solo climb of Mount Everest without the aid of supplemental oxygen, a feat never accomplished before. The book not only details the physical and mental challenges faced during the climb but also delves into the philosophical and spiritual journey the author undergoes. The narrative is interspersed with reflections on the history and culture of the Himalayas, the nature of mountaineering, and the author's personal beliefs and motivations.

This book provides a gripping historical account of the formation and exploits of the Special Air Service (SAS), an elite British military unit created during World War II. It chronicles the daring and unconventional tactics of its founder and the brave men who joined its ranks, as they undertook perilous missions behind enemy lines in North Africa and Europe. Drawing on personal diaries, letters, and interviews, the narrative vividly brings to life the heroism, camaraderie, and ingenuity of the SAS, while also exploring the moral complexities of their wartime actions and the lasting impact of their contributions to modern special forces operations.