Skip to product information
1 of 1

Alastair Humphreys

Against the Odds: The Incredible Struggles of 20 Great Adventurers

Against the Odds: The Incredible Struggles of 20 Great Adventurers

💎 Earn 62 Points (£0.62) on this item.

Regular price £12.43 GBP
Regular price £16.99 GBP Sale price £12.43 GBP
Sale Sold out
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

YOU SAVE £4.56

  • Condition: Brand new
  • UK Delivery times: Usually arrives within 2 - 3 working days
  • UK Shipping: Fee starts at £2.39. Subject to product weight & dimension

Bulk ordering. Want 15 or more copies? Get a personalised quote and bigger discounts. Learn more about bulk orders.

  • More about Against the Odds: The Incredible Struggles of 20 Great Adventurers


This book compiles the extraordinary journeys of explorers who have tried, failed, and succeeded against the odds, featuring adventurers modern and ancient, from Zheng He to Joe Simpson, Jeanne Baret to Matthew Henson. It showcases stories of self-belief, resilience, friendship, courage, determination, and hope, inspiring readers to venture into space, oceans, deserts, and jungles.

Format: Hardback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Templar Publishing


Sometimes, adventure, like life, doesn't go as planned. Even the most determined explorers can make mistakes. Many of the greatest adventurers in history have faced setbacks and failures along the way. However, it is these challenges that often make their journeys even more remarkable.

In this compilation, adventurer Alastair Humphreys has hand-picked stories of explorers who have tried, failed, and succeeded against the odds. The book features adventurers whose expeditions turned into survival struggles, as well as those who had to fight for their right to succeed against discrimination or setbacks.

These stories are filled with self-belief, resilience, friendship, courage, determination, and hope. They remind us that success is not just about reaching a certain outcome but about the journey itself. It is about the lessons learned, the personal growth, and the experiences that shape us.

The book features explorers from both modern and ancient times, from Zheng He to Joe Simpson, Jeanne Baret to Matthew Henson. Their journeys took them into space, oceans, deserts, and jungles, and their stories may inspire you to embark on your own adventures.

One of the key themes of the book is that success is not always about achieving what we set out to do. It is about changing our plans and adapting to the circumstances that arise. It is about finding joy in the journey, even when things don't go as planned.

Another important lesson is that personal disaster can often lead to wonderful experiences. It is through these challenges that we learn the most and grow the most. It is about finding the silver lining in every situation and using it to fuel our determination to succeed.

Compromising is also a theme in the book. It is often necessary to compromise in order to achieve our goals, but it can also be a source of frustration and disappointment. However, the book shows that compromising can lead to greater happiness and success in the long run.

Even when survival is the only goal, it can be a triumph. It is about facing our fears and overcoming our limitations, and coming out stronger on the other side. It is about proving to ourselves that we are capable of more than we ever thought possible.

In conclusion, this compilation is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure, exploration, and personal growth. It is a reminder that success is not just about reaching a certain destination but about the journey that takes us there. It is about the lessons learned, the experiences gained, and the people we meet along the way. So, grab your backpack, set out on your own journey, and let the adventure begin!

Weight: 628g
Dimension: 221 x 288 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787410169

UK and International shipping information

UK Delivery and returns information:

  • Delivery within 2 - 3 days when ordering in the UK.
  • Shipping fee for UK customers from £2.39. Fully tracked shipping service available.
  • Returns policy: Return within 30 days of receipt for full refund.

International deliveries:

Shulph Ink now ships to Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, India, Luxembourg Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Netherlands, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, United States of America.

  • Delivery times: within 5 - 10 days for international orders.
  • Shipping fee: charges vary for overseas orders. Only tracked services are available for most international orders. Some countries have untracked shipping options.
  • Customs charges: If ordering to addresses outside the United Kingdom, you may or may not incur additional customs and duties fees during local delivery.
View full details