About the book: 2006 / This book is dedicated to one hundred of the greatest and most incredible adventures in world history. Since time immemorial, people have been attracted by distant and mysterious countries, legends about fabulous treasures, legends about the “golden age,” news of a happy and fair life “there, beyond the horizon.” Rulers and generals have long equipped expeditions to search for new sea and land routes, and sent armies to conquer tribes and peoples of “unknown lands.” Later, businessmen and scientific communities tried to push the boundaries of the known world, to look into the remote corners of the planet. Desperate lone adventurers, by their own will or due to life circumstances, found themselves in the most incredible places; their odysseys took place not only on land and on water, but also underground, under water, and in the skies. The travels and adventures of sailors and explorers, the exploits of famous and little-known heroes enriched world science with new discoveries or demonstrated human capabilities in battles with the elements.