Pola Mai Books

This magnificent book is utterly absorbing and jam packed with extraordinary, inspirational figures who have shown courage, self-belief, curiosity, determination and a sense of humour in the face of adversity. The graphic style is both engaging and accessible, with comic strip illustrations, maps, quotes, diary extracts and timelines drawing the eye and leading the storytelling.

Adventurer and author, Alistair Humphreys, not only opens the book with his thoughts on adventure and what success means when facing setbacks, but also comments on each of the 20 figures chosen explaining which of their many qualities have inspired him personally.

We liked the diversity of the adventurers chosen – figures from all around the world, with some well-known figures such as Matthew Henson, to lesser-recognised adventurers such as Juanita Harrison. It shows those who have overcome setbacks whilst on their adventures and those facing adversity even before adventure has begun, due to prejudice and discrimination.

Importantly, Humphreys recognises there are still many voices not heard or omitted from history and reminds the reader to remember these and seek them out where possible for their own inspiration.