The Explorers: A Story of Fearless Outcasts, Blundering Geniuses, and Impossible Success Hardcover – June 3, 2014

I have read scores of books on explorers of all types, and in particular love Martin Dugard’s "Into Africa," one of the best books on exploration I have ever read. I’ve read it several times and recommend it to everyone. I have bought several more of his books in anticipation. "The Explorers" seeks to analyze common qualities of explorers in an effort to understand what makes a person become an explorer, and what traits defined the famous explorers in history. Its thesis reminded me a lot of Margaret Morrell’s book Shackleton’s Way, which successfully extracts business principles from the story of Shackleton’s Antarctic survival saga. Her book was organized, thoughtful, logical and practical. This book unfortunately is not. It’s not up to the quality that I know Dugard can produce. As a writer and editor, I examined it from a literary point of view. The writing style is rambling, casual, disjointed, which makes for a difficult read. Paragraphs bounce from topic to topic; a term or concept is introduced, then dropped while another topic is introduced; the reader is left wondering how they are all connected. Sometimes Dugard connects the dots, sometimes not. It’s a frustrating read. The book also seems to be a platform to discredit explorer Richard Burton, while extolling Speke. Not a problem, and I found it interesting because Dugard is correct that Burton has many fans… but it comes across as biased and personal. The Burton/Speke controversy colors the entire book, so that rather than exemplify the unique traits of explorers (of which both men had in abundance), it becomes a vendetta to discredit Burton, which is odd. I feel that topic belongs in a different book. It seemed like Dugard wasn’t sure what direction to take with this book, and so it becomes a rambling discourse, branching off at any time into subtopics and more subtopics, until you, exploring this book, become very lost in its jungle. For example, in the chapter on Self-Discipline, Dugard defines self-discipline as being all about action. (well, in part, but not “all”) The very next paragraph jumps to talk about self-efficacy. Then a few paragraphs later jumps into self-mastery, the “necessary character modification” needed “to make that dream a reality.” And then, further discussing self-mastery, in the next paragraph, talks about it being behavior modification… I mean, character modification is not the same thing as behavior modification. I was very confused trying to follow what Dugard was saying.Dugard gets into trouble by tossing about definitions of character traits and psychological terms (like “lizard brain”) which I don’t think he has researched well, or perhaps is not qualified to speak about. His definitions are half-formed or trite: contradictory at worst and confusing at best. Sometimes he cites studies in psychology to back up his claims, but often not, and just relies on a pop psychology approach. This comes across as a bit lazy and not well-researched. I think perhaps this book might be enjoyed best by those new to the lives of explorers, but for anyone who has read in-depth about Peary, Scott, Shackleton, Burton and Speke, Livingstone and more, you may find this a frustrating and disappointing read. If Dugard could focus better, structure the book better, remove the personal vendetta against Burton, be more objective, and organized, this could have been a much better book. I blame a lot on his editor, who should have caught all these rambling statements and lack of bridging between paragraphs and topics. The topic is great, the handling (and editing) of it lackadaisical and lazy. I vote for a future edition, in which the content has been refined and the writing style honed, and the editing sharp and insightful. This book comes across as a free-style first draft which needs to go back to the drawing board. But I’m still a Dugard fan, and "Into Africa" remains one of my all-time favorite books. I went to Zanzibar myself after reading it, and saw Livingstone’s famous medicine chest and Stanley’s handwritten roster for porters; Dugard made it all so alive for me. I so wish this book could have lived up to his potential.

Very readable. Interesting information on the life of explorers

While the primary subject of trekking to the headwaters of the Nile is interesting enough author Martin Dugard ruined it with lack of focus, tangenting on his digressions, and padding to get his page count up.

Since Stephen Ambrose passed away, Martin Dugard has become my favorite historical author. I'm not a Bill O'Reilly fan and haven't read any of the books that Martin Dugard did with him, but I have read: "Into Africa, The Training Ground and The Last Voyage of Columbus", as well as this book: "The Explorers." They are all outstanding. The thing with this book is that before I finished it I had purchased 4 other books about explorers that he hints about in this book. I read this book in a weekend and couldn't put it down. His narrative flow is outstanding, and he really paints a great personal picture of each of the explorers he speaks of. If you have any interest in the Golden Age of Exploration, and the men who made it so, buy this book. I highly recommend it.

Was referred to this by my father, and avid reader, Christian, and successful entrepreneur. The intentions of the author are fine but his explanations frequently outline a concept then connect that concept to other traits and terminology that isn't quite parallel. I found myself frustrated with "facts" of expeditions and praise for "explorers" that often discount other participants whos stories were not as well documented. I'll admit that I largely read to reach my own conclusions which this book wanted to spell out, not necessarily in agreement with me.

I love books about adventure. I thought this was going to be a book about men and women exploring the unknown world i.e. Africa, South America, South Pacific, Antarctica. It is but it is so much more. It actually is a book that would be great for business students to read or anyone looking to learn how to overcome adversity, how to stay optimistic, set goals, self discipline, being independent, the importance of curiosity, and the art of problem solving. And there are lots of stories regarding the trials and tribulations of many explorers, male and female. Great read.

This book showed the tenacity of people who had dreams and were focused. I could never have endured the hardships they did.. It is amazing what one can accomplish when one doesn't feel "entitled." I don't think there are any people around at this time that would be able to push themselves as hard as these did. Gave me a good perspective of the road traveled to get to where we are today.

The book is very inspirational and relatable. Considering what other normal, fallible people have accomplished with "the right stuff" allows you to see past that "tough day" you just had at work & in traffic! Helps put things in perspective, and helps you reach for more with purpose & meaning like you know somehow you can if you try!

I enjoyed this book, really, but it was marred by the sort of stupid, ignorant errors typical of American authors writing about Europeans.Two examples ... (1) Britain has a Royal Air Force and a Royal Navy but it has never had a "Royal" Army. Simply, The Army. (2) Cook's ship The Endeavour is referred to as HMB Endeavour and HMB is translated as His Majesty's Bark ... Sorry, but Barque would be more appropriate except that is was actually HMS Endeavour.