Offers annotated texts with biographical and historical introductions of four travel journals from the period 1775-1874. This work presents an account of a Spanish expedition sent from Mexico to explore the north-west coast of America in 1775, an account from a surveying operation in the Straits of Magellan in 1827; and more. '... this beautifully produced volume is an ideal introduction to the serious study of exploration and geography.' Times Literary Supplement 'The book is a credit to the Hakluyt Society... For the maritime historian or the working seaman who can empathise with the tribulations of the hydrographers under sail, the book is essential reading.' International Journal of Maritime History 'The Hakluyt Society deserves to be congratulated for persevering in bringing together these four disparate travel journals, each of which makes an invaluable contribution to the history of exploration. Their respective editors have added excellent maps, well chosen illustrations and informative introductions and summaries. This book will not only interest historians who specialize in explorations but will also appeal to maritime historians and entertain readers of history and geography.' The Northern Mariner