This is an anthology composed of 77 excerpts from travel writings by English authors in the 18th century. It is organized into sections or categories geographically (South Pacific, Europe, etc..). Each excerpt/author is preceded with a pithy historical background, as is each section, and there is a general Preface. The selections are rounded from the well known Captain Cook to little known private letters of women travelers to slave narratives to exploration accounts.

Overall this is like having a well-read instructor introduce you to the best and most well known travel writing, and most interesting sections from each text. Many of these accounts I have heard of before but never would have the time to read in full, but in excerpt form I discovered about 20 that were so good I would like to continue on and read the books in full. The editors notes are very learned (if not too pithy) and give excellent context and background to each text and category - it is certainly possible to study history through travel narratives, and have a great time doing it! ( )