Neil Oliver archaeologist and writer follows in the footsteps of four famous Scottish explorers: David Livingstone, William Speirs Bruce, John Muir and Thomas Blake Glover. In four parts Neil Oliver discovers the impact of these acclaimed explorers who planted ideas rather than flags; ideas that shaped the modern world we know today.
David Livingstone Neil travels down the Zambesi river to reveal how David Livingstone took the faith of his nation to the ends of the Earth and exploited his celebrity to end the slave trade. His was a moral mission: to reshape British values and bring commerce, Christianity and civilisation to the African continent.
William Speirs Bruce Following in the footsteps of a scientific explorer who has become all but lost to history, Neil charts the remarkable story of William Speirs Bruce who was one of Britain's great, but least-known explorers. Bruce set out to conquer Antarctica, not for imperial glory, but to advance scientific knowledge in an era when exploration had become harnessed to national prestige.
John Muir Set in the spectacular Yosemite Valley in California, this is the story of the father of the modern conservation movement and one of the founders of America's National Park movement. John Muir was a 19th century adventurer who explored the natural world and devoted his life and work to persuade others to see the sacred beauty of his discoveries.
Thomas Blake Glover Neil travels to Japan to uncover the extraordinary story of Thomas Blake Glover. Blending adventure with commerce, Glover was a rogue trader who helped rebel Samurai clans overthrow the Shogun and lay the foundations for one of the most aggressive and powerful economies in the world.
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