A fact-packed guide to the explorers who opened up important routes and trails throughout history reveals what the Vikings, David Livingston, Henry Morgan Stanley, Robert Falcon Scott, and other great explores shared in common. Gr 9 Up-An overview of explorers and adventurers from 3200 B.C.E. to the late 20th century. Individuals active during the Age of Discovery-Columbus, Magellan, Verrazano, etc.-are omitted without explanation, but are included in Angus Konstam's Historical Atlas of Exploration 1492-1600 (Checkmark, 2000). Farrington covers travels before 1600 in two chapters and divides the remainder of the book by geographic area (Asia, Africa, the Americas, the Arctic and Antarctic, and Australasia). Each section includes full-color and black-and-white photos, reproductions, maps, and time lines. While this is an attractive and comprehensive book, it is also flawed. The writing is awkward and uninspiring; the limited maps don't include all places mentioned in the text; Farrington neglects to discuss why the contributions of particular people are important; and there are far too many typos and other errors. Atlas of Exploration (Oxford, 1997) is similar in content and arrangement but is more thorough, better organized, and has superior maps. Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Used Book in Good Condition