Into the Abyss

Benedict Allen's Into the Abyss is a glimpse at the motivation and experiences of some of history's most intrepid explorers.

Why do explorers put themselves in dangerous situations? And, once the worst possible situation occurs, how do they find the resources to survive? The author presents a series of tales from his own experience as well as that of other explorers including Columbus, Cortez, Scott, Shackleton, Stanley, Livingstone.

Why do explorers put themselves in dangerous situations? And, once the worst possible situation occurs, how do they find the resources to survive?

In answering these questions, Benedict Allen weaves a series of tales from his own experience as well as that of other explorers including Columbus, Cortez, Scott, Shakelton, Stanley, Livingstone and their modern counterparts: Joe Simpson and Ranulf Fiennes.