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.
Industry Reviews
Travelogue interspersed with snippets on the history of the region, native peoples, pioneering Arctic expeditions and the rearing of sled dogs, Into the Abyss lures the reader in with its author's relaxed prose, sharp eye for atmospheric detail and amusing self-awareness ... what was intended to be a journey of introspection and self-analysis becomes a far more expansive insight into both human relationships and what makes man struggle through adversity.
