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Journey: An Illustrated History of Travel
Follow the voyages of the Vikings, pursue plundering pirates, trace the Hippie Trail, or set off on a flight to the Moon. A thrilling expedition awaits you on every page.
Journeys have arisen from all manner of impulse, from migration and the search for food to pilgrimages, trade, scientific curiosity, or simply the quest for adventure.
Packed with stories of human movement and endeavor, Journey lets you experience the excitement and romance of travel, covering everything from quests across the Silk Road and the adventures of Marco Polo to explorations in space and underwater. Discover ancient maps, biographies of conquerors, explorers and travelers, stories of scientific discovery and technological innovation, stunning works of art, and catalogs of travel-related memorabilia.
This truly worldwide account is a glorious celebration of human journeys and will make an impressive gift for any lover of travel and history.
Journeys have arisen from all manner of impulse, from migration and the search for food to pilgrimages, trade, scientific curiosity, or simply the quest for adventure.
Packed with stories of human movement and endeavor, Journey lets you experience the excitement and romance of travel, covering everything from quests across the Silk Road and the adventures of Marco Polo to explorations in space and underwater. Discover ancient maps, biographies of conquerors, explorers and travelers, stories of scientific discovery and technological innovation, stunning works of art, and catalogs of travel-related memorabilia.
This truly worldwide account is a glorious celebration of human journeys and will make an impressive gift for any lover of travel and history.
440 pages, Hardcover
First published October 5, 2017
15 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Simon Adams
268 books37 followersSimon Adams is a writer and editor of children’s non-fiction and reference books. He specializes in history, politics and current affairs and has written extensively on exploration, music and the arts. He is also a well established jazz critic and reviewer. Simon has also contributed to family and adult reference books and has been an editorial consultant on various history and other titles.
Simon was born in Bristol and studied history and politics at the London School of Economics and Bristol University, where he gained an MSc. He entered publishing as a publicity copywriter at Routledge and subsequently joined Dorling Kindersley, eventually becoming managing editor of the children's division. He became a full-time writer 15 years ago. Since then, he has written and contributed to more than 60 books for a wide range of publishers on subjects as varied as archaeology, the sinking of the Titanic and the history of jazz. Simon lives in London and is a keen reader and cyclist.
Simon was born in Bristol and studied history and politics at the London School of Economics and Bristol University, where he gained an MSc. He entered publishing as a publicity copywriter at Routledge and subsequently joined Dorling Kindersley, eventually becoming managing editor of the children's division. He became a full-time writer 15 years ago. Since then, he has written and contributed to more than 60 books for a wide range of publishers on subjects as varied as archaeology, the sinking of the Titanic and the history of jazz. Simon lives in London and is a keen reader and cyclist.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 5, 2017
This is a gorgeous coffee table book, it's rather big, with beautiful illustrations, maps and photographs. It has a foreward by Simon Reeves and gives an overview of the history of travel globally. It is the kind of book that is designed to catch the interest of the reader and draw them in. I can see it appealing to both adults and children. It serves as an ideal educational introduction to such a broad topic. I found myself caught up in the history and loved the illustrations. I can see how it could help contribute to decisions on destinations to travel to. It is the kind of book that would make a wonderful gift at this time of the year.
June 11, 2022
Is this just another pretty (and oversized) book by D.K. Publishing? Not for me! This book is an ambitious attempt to capture everything about humanity and travel from pre-history to almost the present time.
Its strengths are impressive:
Access to gobs of museum materials
Use of maps and graphics
Wonderful photos
A text that encourages going further with almost any topic
You may or may not like the organization (particularly the break-outs) but it parallels what you might find at The Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C.
The Ancient World
Trade and Conquest
The Age of Discovery
The Age of Empires
The Age of Steam
The Golden Age of Travel
The Age of Flight
(no Age of Space Travel or “Transporters” or Teleportation, yet)
There are subsections on key explorers, technological advances and specific locations.
Among the minor delights are “breakouts” on:
Coffee
Spas
Souvenirs
Hotel Decals
“Route 66”
If this gigantic effort fails, it does so grandly. There is much to enjoy.
Its strengths are impressive:
Access to gobs of museum materials
Use of maps and graphics
Wonderful photos
A text that encourages going further with almost any topic
You may or may not like the organization (particularly the break-outs) but it parallels what you might find at The Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C.
The Ancient World
Trade and Conquest
The Age of Discovery
The Age of Empires
The Age of Steam
The Golden Age of Travel
The Age of Flight
(no Age of Space Travel or “Transporters” or Teleportation, yet)
There are subsections on key explorers, technological advances and specific locations.
Among the minor delights are “breakouts” on:
Coffee
Spas
Souvenirs
Hotel Decals
“Route 66”
If this gigantic effort fails, it does so grandly. There is much to enjoy.
July 23, 2022
A fabulous coffee table book perfect for endless browsing! It is a truly fascinating book filled with a wide range of information.
One explorer that I had not heard of and captured my imagination is the Ottoman explorer Evliya Çelebi. He traveled extensively from the age of 29 in 1640 to his death at age 71 in 1682. During this time, "he had visited the lands of 18 monarchies from Russia to Sudan, witnessed 22 battles, and heard 147 languages. All of this was meticulously described in his Seyahatname (Travelogue)," which is described as "one of the greatest works of travel literature ever written."
In the biographies sections I came across a person of interest to me. I read that Eric Newby wrote travel books that were both entertaining and "included much serious reflection about the people and places he visited." Like my grandad, he served in the "Special Boat Section during World War II." I am motivated to read his book 'Love and War in the Apennines,' which chronicles his time in Sicily in 1942, where he was captured, and later escaped.
Favorite quote:
"Borders? I have never seen one. But I have heard they exist in the minds of some people." ~ Norwegian anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl who built a raft and sailed from South America to Polynesia, referred to as the Kon-Tiki expedition.
One explorer that I had not heard of and captured my imagination is the Ottoman explorer Evliya Çelebi. He traveled extensively from the age of 29 in 1640 to his death at age 71 in 1682. During this time, "he had visited the lands of 18 monarchies from Russia to Sudan, witnessed 22 battles, and heard 147 languages. All of this was meticulously described in his Seyahatname (Travelogue)," which is described as "one of the greatest works of travel literature ever written."
In the biographies sections I came across a person of interest to me. I read that Eric Newby wrote travel books that were both entertaining and "included much serious reflection about the people and places he visited." Like my grandad, he served in the "Special Boat Section during World War II." I am motivated to read his book 'Love and War in the Apennines,' which chronicles his time in Sicily in 1942, where he was captured, and later escaped.
Favorite quote:
"Borders? I have never seen one. But I have heard they exist in the minds of some people." ~ Norwegian anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl who built a raft and sailed from South America to Polynesia, referred to as the Kon-Tiki expedition.
October 17, 2017
"Journey" is an illustrated book reviewing the history of travel. The book started with ancient civilizations (Minoan, Egypt, Polynesian, Persian, Greek, Asian, Roman, etc.) and discussed the reach of their trading and the technology they used (like the type of boat and how accurate their maps or traveler's tales were).
Then we moved chronologically through history to learn about famous explorers, well-known journeys, and accounts of various travels. We learned about the rise of new technologies (like trains, bicycles, or airplanes), how they changed over time, and how they changed society. We also learned motives for travel (usually trade related), about popular trips like the Grand Tour or popular destinations like spas, and about things that developed to support travel (like highways and hotels). We learned about when a technology--like flight--first came about, but also why and when it became widespread or popular.
There were pictures of things like reconstructed ancient boats, various models of cars or airplanes, travel posters, famous explorers, historical maps and maps of the route taken by the explorers, paintings of various events, and more. At the back of the book, there were brief biographies of famous explorers and travelers. After that were listings of various trips (like to the Wall of China or along the Livingston trail) and the sights you might see. Overall, I greatly enjoyed this interesting and informative book and would recommend it.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Then we moved chronologically through history to learn about famous explorers, well-known journeys, and accounts of various travels. We learned about the rise of new technologies (like trains, bicycles, or airplanes), how they changed over time, and how they changed society. We also learned motives for travel (usually trade related), about popular trips like the Grand Tour or popular destinations like spas, and about things that developed to support travel (like highways and hotels). We learned about when a technology--like flight--first came about, but also why and when it became widespread or popular.
There were pictures of things like reconstructed ancient boats, various models of cars or airplanes, travel posters, famous explorers, historical maps and maps of the route taken by the explorers, paintings of various events, and more. At the back of the book, there were brief biographies of famous explorers and travelers. After that were listings of various trips (like to the Wall of China or along the Livingston trail) and the sights you might see. Overall, I greatly enjoyed this interesting and informative book and would recommend it.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
November 26, 2017
This book is an absolutely gorgeous, encyclopedic look at transportation from the earliest days of boats and wheels right up until the present. When I say encyclopedic, I mean that it's a good overview. Not a deep look at any one thing, but enough to give you an idea. The illustrations and photos are also first-rate.
For some reason, I expected it to be soft-bound ... but it's a hard-back. This is really more of a coffee table book, meant to be perused over time, than something to sit down with and just read straight through. Still, if one is interested in the subject matter it's a worthwhile investment.
For some reason, I expected it to be soft-bound ... but it's a hard-back. This is really more of a coffee table book, meant to be perused over time, than something to sit down with and just read straight through. Still, if one is interested in the subject matter it's a worthwhile investment.
March 9, 2020
I loved this book. It was so inspired and inspiring as well.
January 1, 2018
The content is as gratifying as its beautiful cover which caught my attention to begin with. A wonderfully illustrated and written compilation about the history of "travelling." As always, DK offers high quality reference books. The content covers an array of topics from ancient world traveling, tradings and conquests history, to modern space adventures. As a quick reference, "Journey" definitely makes an exceptional entertaining yet informational read. It would be a wonderful addition to anyone's collection.
"Journey" deserves a 5-star rating for its beautiful artworks and rich contents. The hefty price tag looks intimidating but, to me, it is a good investment in my opinions. Highly recommend it!
"Journey" deserves a 5-star rating for its beautiful artworks and rich contents. The hefty price tag looks intimidating but, to me, it is a good investment in my opinions. Highly recommend it!
August 26, 2017
An Idiosyncratic, But Thoroughly Enjoyable, Themed Collection
DK has recently published a number of very appealing science and history collections, but this book is sort of out there in its own world. The topic is "Journeys", and it's basically a collection of travel histories. Surprisingly, or maybe not, the collection works remarkably well.
Often, it seems to me, these sorts of themed collections end up being glorified collections of very nice photographs with bland captions and a bit of inconsequential narrative. But that isn't the case here. The book purports to be "An Illustrated History of Travel", but while there are certainly fine illustrations, it's the history part, the detailed and thorough history part, that carries the day.
We start with "The Ancient World", and cover everything from the Minoan seafarers to Polynesian canoeists, Odysseus, Zhang Qian, Strabo and Ptolemy. Chapters after that cover Trade and Conquest, (Marco Polo for example), the Age of Discovery, the Age of Empires, Steam, the "Golden Age" of travel, Flight, and on to the Moon. The scope is global, not just Western exploration, and among the choices are tales both well known and fairly obscure.
This book weighs in at well over 400 pages, and is loaded with substantive content. Most pages run from half to two-thirds text. This is complemented by maps, illustrations, photos, and usually one or two digressive or explanatory sidebars. A chapter describing the routes followed by the Crusaders is followed by an article describing how the search for the mythical Prester John led to early European exploration of and contact with Asia and Africa. Meanwhile, the Mongol Khans are traveling the Silk Road.
This is ripping stuff, and it goes on all the way to Route 66. So, you can read about Tuareg camel caravans or fly the Concorde. We end with biographies of a hundred noted travelers, and then brief outlines of about 50 brilliant journeys, (Trans-Siberian Railway, Pilgrimage to Mecca). All you need to provide is the armchair. This was a delightful find, and much more than I expected.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
DK has recently published a number of very appealing science and history collections, but this book is sort of out there in its own world. The topic is "Journeys", and it's basically a collection of travel histories. Surprisingly, or maybe not, the collection works remarkably well.
Often, it seems to me, these sorts of themed collections end up being glorified collections of very nice photographs with bland captions and a bit of inconsequential narrative. But that isn't the case here. The book purports to be "An Illustrated History of Travel", but while there are certainly fine illustrations, it's the history part, the detailed and thorough history part, that carries the day.
We start with "The Ancient World", and cover everything from the Minoan seafarers to Polynesian canoeists, Odysseus, Zhang Qian, Strabo and Ptolemy. Chapters after that cover Trade and Conquest, (Marco Polo for example), the Age of Discovery, the Age of Empires, Steam, the "Golden Age" of travel, Flight, and on to the Moon. The scope is global, not just Western exploration, and among the choices are tales both well known and fairly obscure.
This book weighs in at well over 400 pages, and is loaded with substantive content. Most pages run from half to two-thirds text. This is complemented by maps, illustrations, photos, and usually one or two digressive or explanatory sidebars. A chapter describing the routes followed by the Crusaders is followed by an article describing how the search for the mythical Prester John led to early European exploration of and contact with Asia and Africa. Meanwhile, the Mongol Khans are traveling the Silk Road.
This is ripping stuff, and it goes on all the way to Route 66. So, you can read about Tuareg camel caravans or fly the Concorde. We end with biographies of a hundred noted travelers, and then brief outlines of about 50 brilliant journeys, (Trans-Siberian Railway, Pilgrimage to Mecca). All you need to provide is the armchair. This was a delightful find, and much more than I expected.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
January 16, 2018
This is fantastic overview of the history of travel, from ancient to modern times. The book is divided into seven sections:
* The Ancient World
* Trade and Conquest
* The Age of Discovery
* The Age of Empires
* The Age of Steam
* The Golden Age of Travel
* The Age of Flight
As always, DK have created a book with interesting and appropriate illustrations & photographs, reflecting the history of travel from around the globe. This isn't an in-depth look at travel or any particular form of transport, but instead gives a useful and insightful starting point.
The day I received the book through the post, thanks for a Goodreads giveaway, I flicked through expecting to put it down and carry on with what I was doing. Instead I found myself still sitting there looking through it an hour later. However much you think you know about history or travel, there is going to be something new to you in this book.
To give you an idea of just how vast the subject matter is; the first section covers places as diverse as Mesopotamia and the Greek empire. The last section mentions the speculative plans by two companies to send manned flights to Mars within the next couple of decades.
It isn't just methods of travel - planes, trains, automobiles - that are covered, but explorers, maps, the reasons why humans have chosen to travel around the globe.
All in all it is a fascinating book; one that you pick up and put down, flick through or sit and read in order. It's a great introduction to the subject matter and one that is laid out in a way that should appeal to both children and adults.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and it is going to be on my bookshelf for a long time to come.
* The Ancient World
* Trade and Conquest
* The Age of Discovery
* The Age of Empires
* The Age of Steam
* The Golden Age of Travel
* The Age of Flight
As always, DK have created a book with interesting and appropriate illustrations & photographs, reflecting the history of travel from around the globe. This isn't an in-depth look at travel or any particular form of transport, but instead gives a useful and insightful starting point.
The day I received the book through the post, thanks for a Goodreads giveaway, I flicked through expecting to put it down and carry on with what I was doing. Instead I found myself still sitting there looking through it an hour later. However much you think you know about history or travel, there is going to be something new to you in this book.
To give you an idea of just how vast the subject matter is; the first section covers places as diverse as Mesopotamia and the Greek empire. The last section mentions the speculative plans by two companies to send manned flights to Mars within the next couple of decades.
It isn't just methods of travel - planes, trains, automobiles - that are covered, but explorers, maps, the reasons why humans have chosen to travel around the globe.
All in all it is a fascinating book; one that you pick up and put down, flick through or sit and read in order. It's a great introduction to the subject matter and one that is laid out in a way that should appeal to both children and adults.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and it is going to be on my bookshelf for a long time to come.
November 13, 2017
Fantastic! I had only known DK previously as a publisher of children's books but this book is suitable for both adult and older kids. The writing is fairly simple but the font is small and it's not a young child's book by any means.
It's a little bit hard to pigeonhole this book. The breadth of the subject matter is truly astonishing. It starts from the ancient world and ends in the age of space, touching a little bit of everything and anything in between. Anything you can think of, from the expedition to Punt to Viking ships to Zheng He to Columbus to Livingston to the Grand Tour to the Model T to Mao's Long March to Route 66.
The coverage is broad but also shallow. I think of this book as kind of an encyclopedia, more of a general knowledge base rather than a technical read. The profundity of illustrations also make it a great coffee table book. The best purpose I can envision this is a starting point for a young child where he can gaze and gape at the pictures then to the text and maybe more information in the Wikipedia and maybe lasting a hobby or even finally a career in some of the subject matter.
As it is, this is a wonderful book where even jaded readers can while away many hours reading about interesting and diverse subjects. This isn't a book you sit down and read from end to end, rather it's a book you have close by where you can read a few tidbits at a time.
Summary: A fascinating coffee table book with lots of illustrations. I would say this is broadly a book about travel but it's mainly about history.
I got this book as a free ARC.
It's a little bit hard to pigeonhole this book. The breadth of the subject matter is truly astonishing. It starts from the ancient world and ends in the age of space, touching a little bit of everything and anything in between. Anything you can think of, from the expedition to Punt to Viking ships to Zheng He to Columbus to Livingston to the Grand Tour to the Model T to Mao's Long March to Route 66.
The coverage is broad but also shallow. I think of this book as kind of an encyclopedia, more of a general knowledge base rather than a technical read. The profundity of illustrations also make it a great coffee table book. The best purpose I can envision this is a starting point for a young child where he can gaze and gape at the pictures then to the text and maybe more information in the Wikipedia and maybe lasting a hobby or even finally a career in some of the subject matter.
As it is, this is a wonderful book where even jaded readers can while away many hours reading about interesting and diverse subjects. This isn't a book you sit down and read from end to end, rather it's a book you have close by where you can read a few tidbits at a time.
Summary: A fascinating coffee table book with lots of illustrations. I would say this is broadly a book about travel but it's mainly about history.
I got this book as a free ARC.
April 6, 2018
This is a richly illustrated book! Maps, (yes the wonderful maps!) photos, illustrations, travel posters, and slick fantastic spreads of ships, trains and planes dance off the pages. It has just enough informational text for fabulous insights and lots of leaping off points for those who wish to travel deeper down the rabbit hole, which oddly enough is my favorite kind of journey, but alas, not mentioned here. Just kidding!
It's a Smithsonian book published by DK, and it's a fantastic armchair journey. It's a reference book really, so you don't have to read it cover to cover.
Crack it open and find your favorite, era, landscape, and transportation mode. Some of my favorites include Voyage of the Vikings Silk Road, Wonder Cabinets, Settling America, Trains, Souvenirs, Great Exhibitions, Luggage Labels, National Parks, Bikes, The Open Road, Travel Writing, Robert Louis Stevenson Trail, Tracing The Odyssey, Ancient Rome, and On the Road with Jack Kerouac.
It's a Smithsonian book published by DK, and it's a fantastic armchair journey. It's a reference book really, so you don't have to read it cover to cover.
Crack it open and find your favorite, era, landscape, and transportation mode. Some of my favorites include Voyage of the Vikings Silk Road, Wonder Cabinets, Settling America, Trains, Souvenirs, Great Exhibitions, Luggage Labels, National Parks, Bikes, The Open Road, Travel Writing, Robert Louis Stevenson Trail, Tracing The Odyssey, Ancient Rome, and On the Road with Jack Kerouac.
January 16, 2023
As all DK books, this book is beautiful designed. But I needed to have start weight training a few weeks before starting this as it's the heaviest book and biggest I've ever encountered!
I would have liked more of coverage of the history of travel not just from the American perspective, but as it is by the Smithsonian Institute this focus is not surprising. Overall, it is very expansive in its coverage of the history of all things related to travel.
I would have liked more of coverage of the history of travel not just from the American perspective, but as it is by the Smithsonian Institute this focus is not surprising. Overall, it is very expansive in its coverage of the history of all things related to travel.
February 9, 2018
This is a great overview/sparknotes version/crib sheet of how and why people have traveled about. The font was fairly small for a table top book (and it was too awkward to handle to be anything but a table top book). The information did get a little over simplified at times. The early historic travel photos were awesome.
July 29, 2019
No jo, cestování je moje druhé jméno! Když už teda jednou sedím doma, tak o cestování aspoň čtu.
Tahle úžasná encyklopedie mě fakt baví!
Od Mínojských mořeplavců až po věk létání a všechny metody cestování, které kdy člověk použil.
Ilustrace, mapy a fotografie jsou úžasné, ale určitě stojí za pozornost i samotný text. Za mě pět hvězd*****
Tahle úžasná encyklopedie mě fakt baví!
Od Mínojských mořeplavců až po věk létání a všechny metody cestování, které kdy člověk použil.
Ilustrace, mapy a fotografie jsou úžasné, ale určitě stojí za pozornost i samotný text. Za mě pět hvězd*****
April 30, 2022
Beautifully illustrated and full of fun facts and interesting stories, Journey tells world history in a way I've never seen. Looking at different aspects of travel and its uses over history from a world perspective, this book sheds light on both the famous expeditions and also little-known parts of history. Well worth a read.
August 13, 2017
A detailed, comprehensive history of every method of travel used by people, from ancient prehistory to, well, now. It also includes a ton of short biographies on famous explorers (male and female) throughout history. An excellent reference book on humanities quest a new frontier.
December 2, 2017
A big, beautiful illustrated hard-back book from DK, charting the history of travel from early man to space exploration. Informative without being too intense, it's perfect to dip into for adults & older children alike.
Thanks to Goodreads for my copy.
Thanks to Goodreads for my copy.
January 30, 2018
Received through GoodReads First Reads for reviewing - thank you.
This is a fantastic book, beautifully laid out, wonderfully illustrated. The contents and index are comprehensive and you can find what you're after easily. highly recommend.
This is a fantastic book, beautifully laid out, wonderfully illustrated. The contents and index are comprehensive and you can find what you're after easily. highly recommend.
February 19, 2019
As is usual with DK books, this is a beautiful book. The full color images bring the stories to life. I thought the book did a great job of mixing familiar journeys with lesser known ones, especially outside of North America and Western Europe.
March 1, 2018
Best DK book - ever!
May 1, 2018
For a coffee table book it was pretty informative. I like the section of hikes and train rides through exotic places the best.
December 26, 2018
This is a beautiful coffee table book that is highly recommended for history lovers, travel enthusiasts, or visual types.The images are varied and gorgeous, but the text is worth your time as well.
October 6, 2022
Fantastic, informative book.
November 30, 2025
Loved this book; a history of voyages, travelers, etc. (Also a great coffee table book.)
December 25, 2018
Maravilloso, una forma muy amena de aprender, con muchas imágenes e ilustraciones.
Muy recomendado, y como regalo es una perfecta idea para los que amen la historia.
Muy recomendado, y como regalo es una perfecta idea para los que amen la historia.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews