Cassell's Tales of Endurance - Hardcover

Fergus Fleming is the author of the best-selling Barrow’s Boys (Granta), a rip-roaring account of the British expeditions sent out by second secretary to the Admiralty John Barrow during the first half of the 19th century.

'Each chapter contains a skilfully executed precis of the explorer's biography and a detailed account of the journey undertaken... Concise footnotes and a collection of bizarre facts add a touch of humour that leavens the frequently grisly details of the extreme privations described.' -- Sarah Crowden, GEOGRAPHICAL (December 2004)

'This is popular history at its best - entertaining and accessible... Cassell's Tales of Endurance is an excellent anthology of exploration, dealing, in Fergus Fleming's uniquely anecdotal style, with geographical, political, historical and personal aspects of the world's great journeys. Glory, greed, character and scientific enquiry all contribute to a masterfully entertaining volume.' -- Christopher Ondaatje, LITERARY REVIEW (February 2005)

'You have to be a tough nut for inclusion in Fergus Fleming's anthology of travel: no namy-pamby eulogies to ancient architecture or comical character sketches will do - this man wants you to eat a horse, then your shoes (unnessary baggage anyway after your frostbitten toes fall off).' -- Kevin Rushby, GUARDIAN (4.12.04)

'crammed full of high deeds and humour - and, at just under 50p an explorer, magnificent narrative value.' -- Michael Kerrigan, SCOTSMAN (13.11.04)

'whether describing Columbus sailing to the Americas, Samuel Baker on the Nile or Scott and Shackleton in the ice, he is always entertaining.' -- Anthony Sattin, SUNDAY TIMES (14.11.04)