A truly comprehensive account of sea and land voyages, covering a thousand years of exploration from the ninth century to the epic voyages of Captain Cook. Kerr includes accounts of travels not easily available elsewhere and translations into English for the first time. This first set brings together travels undertaken by ambassadors, missionaries, adventurers as well as naval and military commanders to Europe, Asia and the Middle East and includes the journey of Ambassador Contarini to Persia, the voyage of Verthema to Egypt, English pilgramages to the Holy Land, Carpini's expedition to the great Khan of the Moghuls, and the mission of the Persian Ambassador to China. With an introduction by a leading scholar this handsome 5 volume set presents Kerr's outstanding achievement in a unique and informative way.