The Greatest British "Adventure, Nonfiction" Books Since 1900

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Adventure

The Adventure genre is characterized by stories that take readers on thrilling journeys filled with danger, excitement, and unexpected twists and turns. These books often feature brave protagonists who embark on quests, explore new territories, and face challenges that test their physical and mental limits. Adventure stories can be set in any time period or location, from ancient civilizations to futuristic worlds, and can include elements of romance, mystery, and suspense. Whether it's a treasure hunt, a survival story, or a battle against evil forces, Adventure books offer readers an escape into a world of excitement and adventure.

Nonfiction

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  1. 1. The Road to Oxiana by Robert Byron

    This travelogue chronicles a journey through Persia and Afghanistan in the 1930s, capturing the author's keen observations of the architecture, landscapes, and people he encounters. The narrative combines historical research, personal anecdotes, and vivid descriptions, providing a unique insight into these regions during this period. The author's witty and engaging style, combined with his passion for architecture, makes this book not just a travel diary but a valuable piece of cultural and historical documentation.

  2. 2. The Worst Journey in the World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard

    "The Worst Journey in the World" is a gripping account of the Terra Nova Expedition to the South Pole in 1910-1913. The book vividly describes the perilous journey undertaken by a team of explorers, their struggles with brutal weather conditions, and the tragic loss of their leader and four other members on their return from the Pole. The narrative is not only about physical survival in harsh conditions, but also about the psychological toll of such an expedition, making it a timeless testament to human endurance and spirit.

  3. 3. Man-Eaters of Kumaon by Jim Corbett

    The book is a collection of true stories about the author's hunting experiences in India, specifically his encounters with man-eating tigers and leopards in the Kumaon region. The author, a renowned hunter, was often called upon to kill these man-eaters when they became a threat to local villages. The book provides thrilling accounts of his hunts, as well as his observations on the behavior of these animals and his respect for their power and cunning.

  4. 4. Arabian Sands by Wilfred Thesiger

    This book is a detailed account of the author's travels across the Arabian Peninsula during the 1940s. The narrative provides an in-depth look into the Bedouin way of life, their customs, and the harsh desert environment they inhabit. The author's journey takes him through the Empty Quarter, one of the most inhospitable places on earth, challenging his endurance and resilience. The book is a testament to the author's love for adventure and his admiration for the Bedouin people, offering readers a glimpse into a world that has largely disappeared.

  5. 5. Into The Heart Of Borneo by Redmond O'Hanlon

    The book is an enthralling travelogue that recounts the daring journey of two adventurers as they embark on an expedition into the dense rainforests of Borneo. With a blend of humor and erudition, the narrative captures their encounters with the island's unique wildlife, challenging terrain, and the indigenous Dayak people, whose customs and way of life are as intriguing as the natural wonders surrounding them. The travelers face numerous hardships and moments of awe, providing a vivid account of their quest to reach the center of one of the world's last great wildernesses.

  6. 6. In Xanadu by William Dalrymple

    "In Xanadu" is a travelogue that follows the journey of a young historian and writer as he retraces Marco Polo's route from Jerusalem to the fabled city of Xanadu in Mongolia. Along the way, the author weaves together a rich tapestry of history and adventure, engaging with diverse cultures and landscapes. His travels take him through the Middle East, South Asia, and into the heart of China, offering insights into the complex interplay between past and present, and the enduring allure of one of history's most legendary journeys. The narrative is as much a personal coming-of-age story as it is a homage to the spirit of exploration and discovery.

  7. 7. News from Tartary by Peter Fleming

    "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.

  8. 8. The Places In Between by Rory Stewart

    "The Places In Between" is a memoir by Rory Stewart about his journey on foot across Afghanistan in 2002, shortly after the fall of the Taliban. He travels from Herat to Kabul, encountering a variety of people and landscapes along the way. The book provides a unique insight into the culture and history of Afghanistan, as well as the challenges faced by the country in the aftermath of war. Stewart's writing is both lyrical and informative, making for a compelling read.

  9. 9. Slowly Down The Ganges by Eric Newby

    This travelogue recounts the author's adventurous journey down the Ganges, one of the great rivers of the Indian subcontinent. With humor and keen observation, the narrative captures the diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures encountered along the riverbanks. Through a series of mishaps, challenges, and encounters with local inhabitants, the author paints a vivid picture of life in India, reflecting on its history, religion, and the profound significance of the river to the people who live along its course. The book is as much a personal quest as it is an exploration of a place and its people, offering insights into the complexities of a rapidly changing country while navigating the waters of one of its most sacred rivers.

  10. 10. In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin

    In this travelogue, the author embarks on a journey through the remote and enigmatic region of Patagonia, located at the southern tip of South America. Blending history, legend, and personal anecdotes, the narrative weaves through the diverse landscapes and cultures of the area, as the author encounters a cast of intriguing characters, from outlaws to settlers, all while searching for traces of its storied past. The book is as much an exploration of the author's wanderlust and love for adventure as it is a portrait of the rugged, windswept terrain and the resilient spirit of the Patagonian people.

  11. 11. The Valleys of the Assassins by Freya Stark

    This travelogue presents the author's journey through the Middle East, specifically Persia, in the early 20th century. The narrative is a blend of history, geography, and personal exploration, as the author ventures into remote and dangerous regions, including the infamous "Valleys of the Assassins." The book provides a detailed and vivid account of the author's experiences and observations, bringing to life the landscapes, cultures, and histories of the regions she explores.

  12. 12. No Mercy by Redmond O'Hanlon

    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.

  13. 13. South by Ernest Shackleton

    "South" is a gripping account of an ill-fated Antarctic expedition led by a brave explorer. The journey takes a disastrous turn when their ship gets trapped and eventually crushed by ice, forcing the crew to abandon ship and embark on a harrowing journey over sea and land in a desperate bid for survival. The book is a testament to the crew's indomitable spirit and the leadership that kept them alive against all odds.

  14. 14. Journey Without Maps by Graham Greene

    This travelogue details the author's trek through the interior of Liberia, a journey undertaken in the 1930s. The narrative provides a vivid account of the people, culture, and harsh realities of life in the African interior, as well as the author's own introspections and experiences. The journey is both a physical exploration of a little-known part of the world and a philosophical exploration of the author's own beliefs and values.

  15. 15. Alive by Piers Paul Read

    "Alive" is a gripping true story of survival, recounting the harrowing ordeal of a Uruguayan rugby team whose plane crashes in the Andes mountains in 1972. Stranded for over two months in the harsh, freezing wilderness, the survivors face unimaginable hardships, including avalanches, starvation, and the devastating decision to resort to cannibalism to stay alive. The book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the will to survive against all odds.

  16. 16. Mutiny on the Bounty by William Bligh

    The book is a historical narrative about the infamous mutiny that took place on the HMS Bounty in 1789. It chronicles the journey of Lieutenant William Bligh and his crew as they embark on a mission to transport breadfruit plants from Tahiti to the West Indies. The journey takes a tragic turn when some of the crew members, led by Master's Mate Fletcher Christian, rebel against Bligh's harsh discipline, seize control of the ship and set Bligh and his loyalists adrift in a small boat. The narrative is a gripping account of Bligh's survival and his relentless pursuit of justice against the mutineers.

  17. 17. Brazilian Adventure by Peter Fleming

    "Brazilian Adventure" is a lively and humorous travelogue that recounts the author's participation in an expedition to the Brazilian jungle in search of the lost Colonel Percy Fawcett, who vanished while searching for an ancient lost city. The narrative, filled with wit and irony, details the challenges and peculiarities encountered by the group, ranging from bureaucratic hurdles to the harsh realities of jungle exploration. Despite the expedition's failure to find Fawcett or the mythical city, the book provides an engaging and insightful look at both the allure and absurdity of early 20th-century adventure expeditions.

  18. 18. One Man's Mountains by Tom Patey

    This book is a collection of essays and poems reflecting on the adventures and experiences of a renowned Scottish mountaineer. The author shares his passion for climbing and the outdoors, recounting his daring escapades in the Scottish Highlands, the Alps, and the Himalayas. The book also includes his introspective thoughts on the philosophy of mountaineering, the risks and rewards of the sport, and his personal triumphs and tragedies.

  19. 19. In Trouble Again by Redmond O'Hanlon

    "In Trouble Again" is a thrilling adventure narrative that takes the reader through the author's perilous journey into the Amazon jungle. The author, along with his eccentric travel companions, embarks on this expedition to find the indigenous Yanomami tribe, known for their violent tendencies. The book is filled with humor, danger, and fascinating insights into the customs, beliefs, and daily life of the Yanomami people, providing an engaging and unique perspective on one of the world's most remote regions.

  20. 20. Touching the Void by Joe Simpson

    "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.

  21. 21. Rogue Heroes by Ben Macintyre

    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.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download