Book Log 2006 #55: Worlds to Explore, edited by Mark Jenkins

While current issues of National Geographic covers such topics as dance and soccer, Worlds to Explore goes back to the Society's roots by presenting over 50 classic articles (edited) on explorations of remote corners of globe. Most date to before 1950 (a few before 1900), and are arranged by the location being explored.

I think I'd have liked it better if, rather than one book of edited articles, the Society published several books, one per location, that included several full articles. I'd also have liked it if there were more maps and photos. For a book from the National Geographic Society, there was a conspicuous lack of both.

Still, there's some great reading here, both from an exploration context and from the underlying social context (let's just say that reflections on the native population weren't always that charitable).