WORLD CRUISE
Suggested reading list
WORLD TRAVEL RESOURCES & READING
Magellan: First Man Round the Globe?, podcast Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan set out to find a route to the spice islands but through a series of adventures and tragedies, Magellan’s voyage discovered the Straits of Magellan and became the first to circumnavigate the world.
Over the Edge of the World by Lawrence Bergreen, book
The astonishing tale of the first sea voyage to circumnavigate the entire globe
How Magellan Circumnavigated the Globe, talk
A TED talk explaining Magellan’s successful circumnavigation.
A New Voyage Round the World by William Dampier, book
A bestseller on publication, Dampier’s account of his sea voyages is a unique record of the colonial age, which influenced Robinson Crusoe, Gulliver's Travels and English literature as a whole
Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne, book
Travel adventure novel by Jules Verne tells the story of Phileas Fogg and his trip round the world.
Nellie Bly’s Record-breaking Race Around the World, talk
RGS lecture by Rosemary J Brown, who retraces journalist Nellie Bly’s 1890 solo journey which, at 72 days, beat the efforts of the fictional Phileas Fogg.
Around the World in Seventy-Two Days: And Other Writings by Nellie Bly, book
Nellie Bly chronicles her audacious journey to circumnavigate the globe in 72 days, challenging the then-prevailing stereotype of women in travel and journalism
The Women Who Went Round the World by Sally Smith, book
The extraordinary stories of the real women pioneers in global circumnavigation; travelling round the world by various means and for various purposes.
Full Circle with Michael Palin, documentary series
First broadcast in 1997, this BBC series follows Michael Palin as he attempts to make the full anti-clockwise trip around the Pacific Rim.
WORLD CRUISE READING LIST
FLORIDA, U.S.A.
The Little Brown Bird, documentary
An award-winning short film about how America's most endangered songbird, the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, is saving the prairie landscape and the headwaters of the Everglades
Preserving Our Waters, documentary
Preserving our Waters looks at the 50-year history of the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve and the people behind the efforts to establish it as the first estuarine preserve in Florida. It explores how these actions were the blueprint for the Florida Aquatic Preserve Act of 1975 and the statewide aquatic preserve system.
Before Bartram: Artist-Naturalist Mark Catesby, online talk
This lecture gives an overview of the watercolors and drawings by artist-naturalist, Mark Catesby, which, along with field notes and hundreds of preserved specimens constituted one of the earliest and most comprehensive systematic studies of the flora and fauna of southeastern North America
Florida Humanities: Beyond the Pages, podcasts
A podcast series exploring Florida’s history, heritage, cultures and literature.
To Have and Have Not by Ernest Hemmingway, book Hemmingway’s second novel set in the United States, published in 1937, follows Harry Morgan, a fishing boat captain out of Key West, Florida, who struggles to support his family during the Great Depression
Raising Cane in the 'Glades: The Global Sugar Trade and the Transformation of Florida by Gail M. Hollander, book
Over the last century, the Everglades underwent a metaphorical and ecological transition from impenetrable swamp to endangered wetland. Raising Cane in the ’Glades is the first study to situate the environmental transformation of the Everglades within the economic and historical geography of global sugar production and trade.
MEXICO
Exploring the Maya World exhibition
In collaboration with the British Museum, this online exhibition looks at the Mayan people and their culture.
Guardians of the Stingless Bees: Exploring the Mission to Sustain Melipona Bee Populations, podcast
This podcast looks at efforts being made to preserve healthy native Mayan Melipona bee populations by sustaining ancient Mayan beekeeping practices and empowering women in rural areas.
Jungle of Stone: the Extraordinary Journey of John L. Stephens and Frederick Catherwood ... by William Carlsen, book
The chronicle of the discovery of the legendary lost civilization of the Maya Includes the history of the major Maya sites, including Palenque, Uxmal and more.
COSTA RICA
Land of the Emerald Forests, talk
In this free to access RGS lecture, Andy Lester takes you on a tour of Costa Rica’s core habitats; from the coral reefs to the mountain tops of over 3,000m and all the transitional habitats in-between
‘Ruins, Mexico’. Photographer: Desire Charnay, 1870
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COSTA RICA
Monkeys are Made of Chocolate: Exotic and Unseen Costa Rica by Jack Ewing, book Acclaimed naturalist Jack Ewing offers a captivating look at the mysteries and lesser-known wonders of the Costa Rican rainforest through a collection of essays drawn from his personal journals.
Who Were the Real Pirates of the Caribbean?, article
Notorious pirate Henry Morgan came ashore near present-day Puerto Limón in 1666. In this Smithsonian Magazine article, the author, Sean Kingsley, discusses the Golden Age of Piracy, a time when thousands of pirates sought fame and fortune.
PANAMA
Life in the Plug: a Journey Through the Forests of Panama, talk
In this RGS microlecture, John Fuller recounts his journey to the Darién Province to visit ancient stone petroglyphs.
The land Divided, the World United, exhibition
This online exhibition from the Linda Hall Library gives a brief history of the building of the Panama Canal as seen through the eyes of A.B. Nichols, who amassed a vast collection of photographs, blueprints, maps and archives during his role as Office Engineer during the canal’s construction.
The Path Between the Seas: the Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914 by David McCullough, book
A national bestseller and testament to human determination, The Path Between the Seas tells the stories of the men and women who fought against all odds to fulfill the 400-year-old dream of constructing a maritime passageway between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
The Great Divide by Cristina Henriquez, book
A breathtaking historical novel following the incredible construction of the Panama Canal and casting light on the unsung people who lived and laboured in its shadow.
ECUADOR
The Panama Hat trail by Tom Miller, book
Critically acclaimed author Tom Miller reveals the making and marketing of one Panama hat, from the straw fields of Ecuador’s coastal lowland to a hat shop in Southern California. Along the way, the hat becomes a literary device allowing Miller to give us his impressions from the tributaries of the Amazon to the mountainsides of the Andes.
Ecuador: light of time, exhibition
This unique collection encapsulates and represents contemporary Ecuadorian art. The smallest Andean state - a concentration of extraordinary cultures and traditions, biodiversity and different microclimates - is reflected in the works of the 140 artists. Also available as a book.
The general in his labyrinth by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, book
A compelling tale of Simón Bolívar, a hero who has been forgotten and whose power is fading, retracing his steps down the Magdalena River by the Nobel Laureate Gabriel García Márquez.
‘An Ipomea from Panama’ Watercolour painting by John Linton Palmer, 1852
WORLD CRUISE READING LIST
ECUADOR
continued
The Paraecologist Approach to the Rights of Nature, talk
In this Resurgence Trust talk, Professor Mika Peck highlights Ecuador as a pioneer nation in acknowledging ‘the rights of nature’ in tackling biodiversity and climate emergencies.
Magical Andes, documentary Journey through South America's mountains and meet the people whose bond with the Andes has led them to live unique lives.
PERU
The Last Days of the Incas by Kim MaQuarrie, book
The epic story of the fall of the Inca Empire to Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in the aftermath of a bloody civil war, and the recent discovery of the lost guerrilla capital of the Incas, Vilcabamba, by three American explorers.
Monumental Callao: History of Callao, Peru, article An illustrated essay on the history of the city and port of Callao.
Simon Reeve’s South America, documentary series
In this BBC series, Simon Reeve travels through South America. From giant cities to remote communities, Simon meets the people of a changing continent.
Lost City of the Incas by Hiram Bingham, book
Hiram Bingham's classic work captures all the magnificence and mystery of the amazing archeological sites he uncovered, including the Inca city that made him famous: Machu Picchu.
In Our Time: the Incas, podcast
In this podcast Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the rise and fall of the Inca Empire.
Constantino Aucca Chutas, 2023 Rolex Awards
Laureate, article
A Peruvian biologist discusses his work with local communities to help reforestation in the Andes.
Sir Clements Markham, President of the RGS: success or failure?, talk
RGS talk. Isobel Williams discusses the life of Sir Clements Markham, who in 1859 successfully organised the transplanting of chinchona trees from Peru to India for quinine, a treatment for malaria.
‘Western foothills of the Andes’ Watercolour painting by Victor Coverley-Price, 1932
WORLD CRUISE READING LIST
PACIFIC OCEAN
Pacific: the Ocean of the Future by Simon Winchester, book
Travelling the circumference of the truly gigantic Pacific, Simon Winchester tells the story of the world's largest body of water, and - in matters economic, political and military - the ocean of the future.
Voyagers: The Settlement of the Pacific by Nicholas Thomas, book
The distinguished anthropologist Nicholas Thomas charts the course of the seaborne migrations that populated the islands of the Pacific.
The Compass: Ocean Stories, Part 4: The Pacific, podcast From the coral wonders of Australia’s Gold Coast to the loneliest South Pacific atoll, local people make their living from the beauty of their surroundings In this BBC podcast, Liz Bonin explores how native traditions and the booming business of tourism co-exist
Naturalists at Sea by Glynn Williams, book Tales of the intrepid early naturalists who set sail on dangerous voyages of discovery in the vast, unknown Pacific.
The Wide, Wide Sea: the Final Fatal Adventure of Captain James Cook by Hampton Sides, book
The author tells the story of Captain Cook’s third voyage, culminating in Cook’s death, and carries out a searching examination of the consequences of the Age of Exploration
Maps of the Pacific, exhibition
An exhibition by the State Library of New South Wales telling the story of European mapping of the Pacific Includes downloadable exhibition guide
Sea People: In Search of the Ancient Navigators of the Pacific, by Christina Thompson, book
A masterful mix of history, geography, anthropology, and the science of navigation, Sea People is a vivid tour of one of the most captivating regions in the world
WORLD CRUISE READING LIST
EASTER ISLAND (RAPA NUI)
Mapping Rapa Nui: the Hidden Histories of Exploration, talk
This RGS talk by Dr Sarah L Evans uncovers the hidden histories of the early archaeological expedition to Rapa Nui (Easter Island), led by the Oxford-educated Katherine Routledge on the 1912-1916 Mana expedition.
Relics of History: Traveling Women Pioneers, talk
Produced in collaboration between Silversea and the Society, ‘Relics of History’ delves deep into the annals of exploration. Julie Carrington uncovers the fascinating stories behind three outstanding women travellers of yesteryear, including Katherine Routledge.
Among Stone Giants: the Life of Katherine Routledge and Her Remarkable Expedition to Easter Island by Jo Anne Van Tilburg, book
Many of Katherine's papers were thought to be lost until they were discovered by Jo Anne Van Tilburg, the contemporary world's leading authority on the Easter Island statues. In this compelling biography, Dr. Van Tilburg brings her unique expertise to Katherine Routledge's discoveries and to her turbulent life.
Easter Island: Archaeology, Ecology and Culture by Jo Anne Van Tilburg, book
Making use of new archeological evidence and new concepts of ecology and culture, the author examines the island's prehistory, myth, and folklore, and offers an extended analysis of its famous statues, explaining how they were constructed and transported.
John Linton Palmer's Rapa Nui Album, article
At the heart of the Society’s artwork collection lie ten elephant folio travel albums containing over 500 images by John Linton Palmer (1824-1903), a British naval officer who visited Easter Island in 1868.
The Mystery of Easter Island: the Story of an Expedition by Katherine Routledge, book
Katherine Routledge’s account of her anthropological and archeological expedition to Easter Island with her husband, William Scoresby Routledge, in 1914-1915.
Rapa Nui: The Truth About Easter Island, podcast
A Gone Medieval podcast which discusses the fresh techniques and research which have helped to understand the history of the island.
Rapa Nui, Easter Island: the Statues at Risk from Rising Sea Levels, exhibition
A Google Arts & Culture online exhibition looking at the statues of Easter Island and the impacts of tourism and climate change.
SOUTH PACIFIC
South Pacific, documentary series
BBC natural history documentary on life in and adapted to the conditions of the Southern part of the Pacific Ocean.
Short History … Polynesian Exploration, podcast
Residents of the Polynesian islands are one of the most closely related people in the world but also the most widely dispersed. How did the earliest pioneers navigate and survive these epic journeys at sea?
The Happy Isles of Oceania: Paddling the Pacific by Paul Theroux, book
Paul Theroux invites us to join him on one of his most exotic and tantalizing adventures exploring the coasts and blue lagoons of the Pacific Islands, and taking up residence to discover the secrets of these isles.
Aphrodite’s Island: the European Discovery of Tahiti by Anne Salmond, book
An account of the European discovery of Tahiti. Includes insights into Tahitian perceptions of the visitors and the European fascination with Tahiti.
‘Inside the crater of Out-iti, Easter Island’, 'Voyage of HMS Topaze to Pacific 1865-69' by John Linton Palmer, 1868
WORLD CRUISE READING LIST
SOUTH PACIFIC
Kon-tiki, film
On a primitive raft, named Kon-tiki, made of forty-foot balsa logs, Thor Heyerdahl and five companions deliberately risked their lives to show that the ancient Peruvians could have made the 4,300-mile voyage to the Polynesian islands on a similar craft
The People of Paradise, documentary series BBC series featuring David Attenborough discussing his journey through the South West Pacific in search of vanishing south sea rituals and customs
Islands Near the Sun: Off the Beaten Track in the Far, Fair Society Islands by Evelyn Cheesman, book British entomologist and traveller, Lucy Evelyn Cheesman, went on eight solo expeditions in the South Pacific between 1924 and 1952, collecting over 70,000 specimens. This is an account of her first expedition.
The Bounty: the True Story of the Mutiny on the Bounty by Caroline Alexander, book
More than two centuries have passed since Fletcher Christian mutinied against Lt. Bligh on a small armed transport vessel called Bounty. Caroline Alexander focusses on the court martial of the ten mutineers captured in Tahiti and brought to justice in Portsmouth.
The Warrior, the Voyager, and the Artist: Three Lives in an Age of Empire by Kate Fullagar, book Features the story of Mai, a Raiatean man who lived in Tahiti and joined Cook’s second expedition.
Last Stop in the Remote Pacific, talk RGS microlecture. Leading an expedition to the Marquesas Islands to study a rare parrot, Liv Grant treks uninhabited islands, swims shark-filled waters and joins a festival of feathers.
Protecting Paradise: The Story of Niue, documentary National Geographic’s Pristine Seas documents how the island nation of Niue created a new marine reserve helps safeguard its ocean resources for generations to come.
Tupaia, Captain Cook and the Voyage of the Endeavour A Material History. Editor: Khadija Von Zinnenburg Carroll, book
Tupaia was a skilled navigator and priest from Raiatea who joined Cook’s first voyage in Tahiti. This richly illustrated volume weaves a new set of cultural histories in the Pacific, between local islanders and the crew of the Endeavour on James Cook's first 'voyage of discovery' (1768-1771).
Vanuatu: in Search of Female Chiefs, talk Sophie Hollingsworth travelled to the South Pacific archipelago and lived with the Ngowtari (female leaders) to study their unique powers, jurisdiction and ceremonies. She reflects on what we can learn from a matrilineal society.
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR www.rgs.org
Illustration from: 'Histoire Naturelle, Zoologie' from'Voyage autour du monde’ by Louis Isidore Duperrey, 1825-30
WORLD CRUISE READING LIST
NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand: Earth's Mythical Islands, documentary series
Narrated by Sam Neill, this BBC series transports you to the magnificent and isolated island chain where the mysterious and unexpected story of its true nature is revealed.
Voice of Tangaroa, podcast
A series of podcasts from Radio New Zealand’s awardwinning science podcast Our Changing World & New Zealand Geographic, exploring the state of our oceans and the extraordinary variety of life that calls it home.
The Aotearoa History Show, podcast & animated series
An introductory podcast on the history of Aotearoa/New Zealand from geological beginnings to the late-20 century. Can be listened to as a podcast or watched as an animated series. th
Tears of Rangi: Experiments Across Worlds by Anne Salmond, book
Anne Salmond looks at New Zealand as a site of cosmo-diversity, a place where multiple worlds engage and collide.
Antipodes on the page, talk
In this RGS Collections talk, Eugene Rae looks at the European encounter with Australia and New Zealand, from the early navigators and first colonists through to the period of inland exploration.
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton, book Set during the New Zealand Gold Rush of the 1860s, this book won the Man Booker Prize for Fiction in 2013.
Science, Voyages, and Encounters in Oceania, 15111850 by Bronwen Douglas, book Spanning four centuries and vast space, this book combines the history of ideas with particular histories of encounters between European voyagers and Indigenous people in Oceania.
Polynesian Navigation and the Discovery of New Zealand by Jeff Evans, book
A straightforward account of how and why Polynesian seafarers made their journey south to New Zealand shores.
Museum of New Zealand: Read, Watch, Play, website Website with resources on Aotearoa/New Zealand history, but also on other Pacific locales. Includes Kiwi –the national bird of Aotearoa New Zealand
AUSTRALIA:
Australia with Simon Reeves, documentary series Renowned adventure journalist Simon Reeve embarks on an epic adventure across Australia.
First Australians, exhibition
The Australia National Museum exhibition explores the shared stories and experiences of First Nations peoples from across the continent.
The Mariner’s Mirror podcasts: Australia, podcast
A series of podcasts on the maritime history of Australia, including ‘Aborigines and the sea’ & ‘The Dutch discovery of Australia’.
HMS Challenger: How a 150-year-old expedition still influences scientific discoveries today, article
This year marks 150 years since the voyage of HMS Challenger left on its mission of scientific discovery. Museum researchers explain how the groundbreaking expedition is still important for scientists working today
Writing Australia, podcast
A podcast series from BBC Sounds, containing five essays from Australia on the theme of place and belonging.
‘Habitants de la Nouvelle Zélande’ From 'Voyage autour du monde’ by Louis Isidore Duperrey, 1825-30
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AUSTRALIA
Matthew Flinders: Australia on the map, exhibition
An online exhibition by the State Library of New South Wales about the English navigator Matthew Flinders, the first known European to circumnavigate and survey the coastline of Australia.
A Voyage to Terra Australis: Account of an Expedition in South Pacific 1801-1810 by Matthew Flinders, book First published in two volumes in 1814, Matthew Flinders vividly describes his voyages to map the great island continent between 1796 and 1803.
What the traveller saw: the photographs of Eric Newby, exhibition
This RGS exhibition looks at the life and photography of travel writer, Eric Newby, who at the age of 18 Newby apprenticed on the Finnish windjammer, Moshulu, and took part in the “grain race” from Australia to Europe, via Cape Horn.
The Great Barrier Reef Expedition 1928-1929, exhibition
Looks at the world’s first major expedition on a coral reef engaged with themes that resonate with today’s geographers: underwater adventure, gender equality, climate change and a scientific legacy that lives on
The Welcome to Country Handbook: A Guide to Indigenous Australia by Marcia Langton, book
An accessible introduction to First Nations Peoples, histories and cultures
Australian National Maritime Museum, Dive Deeper resource, website
Resource hubs (including stories, artefacts, and more) on First Nations, Migration, Maritime Archaeology, Ocean Futures, Australia’s role in the Indo-Pacific, Society and Water
Down Under by Bill Bryson, book
A witty and informative travel memoir where Bill Bryson explores Australia, blending humor with historical insights about the continent and its unique culture
Waves crash over the
of
during the
deck
the Moshulu,
ship's last voyage in the “grain race”, sailing from South Australia’s grain ports to Ireland, via Cape Horn Photographer: Eric Newby, 1939
WORLD CRUISE READING LIST
AUSTRALIA continued
Endeavour voyage: the untold stories of Cook and the First Australians. Edited by Ian Coates, book
This book brings a new perspective to this chapter of history by expanding the narrative to encompass the perspectives of Indigenous Australians long absent from the telling of these stories Published to accompany an exhibition at the National Museum of Australia
Marvellous Melbourne, exhibition
An online exhibition from Melbourne Museum looking at the history of city.
The Devil's Mariner: A Life of William Dampier, Pirate and Explorer, 1651-1715 by Anton Gill, book Dampier circumnavigated the world three times. He was also one of the first Englishman to explore parts of Australia
Legacy of the Wandjina: The Kimberley Research Project 1988, documentary
A film narrated by Bill Gill documenting ‘The Kimberley Research Project 1988’, a joint project between the Royal Geographical Society and Linnean Society, in co-operation with the Government of Western Australia
Histories of rock art research in Western Australia’s Kimberley, 1838–2000 by Joakim Goldhahn, Sam Harper, Peter Veth and Sven Ouzman, article
An article from the Australian National University which frames the history of rock art research in the Kimberley in north-western Australia
Western Australia Museum, podcasts
A series of podcasts which delve into the depths of Western Australia’s rich history, captivating scientific discoveries and diverse cultural heritage
‘Potoroo White, Male’, from 'Atlas Historique' - 'Voyage autour du monde’ by Louis Claude de Saulces de Freycinet, 1820
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INDONESIA
The Spice Islands Voyage: in Search of Wallace by Tim Severin, book
The author skillfully interweaves the story of Alfred Wallace with his own retracing of the great man’s journeys through the Malay Archipelago. In a quest for authenticity Severin commissions the building of a traditional boat so as to experience how Wallace would have felt sailing between the islands.
The Malay Archipelago: the Land of the Orang-utan and the Bird of Paradise by Alfred Russel Wallace, book
A narrative of travel, with studies of man and nature by Alfred Russel Wallace. Wallace travelled 14,000 miles around the Malay Archipelago and is said to have visited every ‘important’ island at least once over 70 separate expeditions.
Natural History Heroes: Alfred Russel Wallace, podcast
Entomologist at the Natural History Museum, George Beccaloni, explains why Alfred Russel Wallace is his natural history hero.
Nathaniel's Nutmeg: How One Man's Courage
Changed the Course of History by Giles Milton, book
In 1616, an English adventurer, Nathaniel Courthope, stepped ashore on a remote island in the East Indies on a secret mission: to persuade the islanders of Run to grant a monopoly to England over their nutmeg, a fabulously valuable spice in Europe.
The Miracle of Bali, documentary series
First transmitted in 1969, David Attenborough narrates a series of documentaries about the culture of Bali.
Gamelan Journeys: Bali, podcast
In this BBC Sounds podcast, Lucy Duran travels to Bali, arriving on the feast day of the Goddess Saraswati. The music on this beautiful island is dominated by Hindu ritual, from the extraordinary chanting of the Kecak dance, to the hilarious drama of the shadow puppet theatre.
Lombok: a Unique Mixture, podcast
The BBC Sounds podcast looks at the unique religious culture of the island of Lombok, Indonesia, known as the "Island of One Thousand Mosques".
The Spice Trails, documentary series
In this BBC documentary series Kate Humble goes on the trail of some of the world's most valuable spices revealing their history, trade, mythology and usage.
South-east Asia: the World’s Habitat, exhibition
Google Arts & Culture in collaboration with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity interactive online exhibition exploring the ecosystems and wildlife from across the Association of South East Asian Nations.
Indonesia Etc.: Exploring the Improbable Nation by Elizabeth Pisani, book
The author, who first worked in Indonesia 25 years ago as a foreign correspondent, set out in 2011, travelling over 13,000 miles, to rediscover its enduring attraction, and to find the links which bind together this disparate nation.
‘The 'king' and the 'twelve wired' birds of paradise’. Illustration from 'The Malay Archipelago … ’ by Alfred Russel Wallace, 1890
WORLD CRUISE READING LIST
SINGAPORE
An Old New World: From the East Indies to the Founding of Singapore, exhibition
This online exhibition explores the history of the East Indies up to the founding of Singapore in 1819.
The Singapore Story through 60 objects, resource
To commemorate 60 years of self-rule, this graphic spread presents 60 objects from Singapore's various National Collections which providing a sweeping overview of the story of Singapore from the late first millennium, through the colonial period to the present.
Sir Stamford Raffles – collecting in Southeast Asia, blog
British Museum blog post. Curator Alexandra Green takes a look at the life and collections of Sir Stamford Raffles, highlighting his collecting practices in Southeast Asia and his contested legacy.
Lion City: Singapore and the Invention of Modern Asia by Jeevan Vasagar, book
Jeevan Vasagar, former Singapore correspondent for the Financial Times, masterfully takes us through the intricate history, present and future of this unique island.
Raffles and the Golden Opportunity by Victoria Glendinning, book
By the time of his death, Thomas Stamford Raffles was the founder of Singapore and Governor of Java. This book charts Raffles' prodigious rise. Specially updated for the bicentenary of the foundation of Singapore in 1819.
Human x Nature: Environmental Histories of Singapore, exhibition
Southeast Asia is one of the most biodiverse areas of the world. In Singapore alone, there are over 40,000 species of plants and animals. This exhibition explores our relationships with the natural world from cultural understandings and scientific study to commercial and urban land use, as well as conservation and restoration.
‘Geological map of Singapore’ by J. R. Logan, 1851
WORLD CRUISE READING LIST
MALAYSIA
The golden Chersonese and the way thither by Isabella L. Bird, book
"The Golden Chersonese and the Way Thither" is a travel narrative penned by Isabella Lucy Bird during the late 19th century, documenting her extensive journey through Southeast Asia. Published in 1883, this book chronicles Bird's explorations across the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, and other regions in what is now known as Malaysia and Thailand.
Out in the Midday Sun: the British in Malaya, 18801960 by Margaret Shennan, book
The story of British Malaya and Singapore, from the days of Victorian pioneers to the denouement of independence, is a momentous episode in Britain’s colonial past. Through memoirs, letters and interviews, Margaret Shennan chronicles its halcyon years, the two World Wars, economic depression and diaspora, revealing the attitudes of the diverse quixotic characters of this now quite vanished world.
‘Junk, Penang’, Malaysia. Watercolour by Henry Bridges Molesworth, 1889.
Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak: 60 million years in the making, talk
Two RGS talks celebrate the original geographical and caving survey of the Gunung Mulu National Park by the Sarawak Forestry Department and the Royal Geographical Society in 1977-1978.
In Gallery Conversation - Traditional Malay Textiles and Motifs, talk
In this Malay Heritage Centre talk, Oniatta Effendi discusses batik and looks at people’s relationships with traditional Malay textiles.
Where Hornbills Fly by Eric Jensen, book
The Iban Dayaks of Borneo are one of the world's most extraordinary indigenous tribes, possessing ancient traditions and a unique way of life. As a young man Erik Jensen settled in Sarawak where he lived with the Iban for seven years, learning their language and the varied rites and practices of their lives.
‘Women’s Perspectives on Malaya: Emily Innes on the Malay States.’, article
Bonny Tan of the National Library of Singapore
spotlights Emily Innes’ The Chersonese with the Gilding Off (1883), a work that stands apart from those of her female compatriots because she wrote as the wife of a minor British official at a time when few colonial wives had their insights published.
THAILAND
Siam Through the King's Eyes, exhibition
A Google Arts and Culture online exhibition by the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre with the National Archives of Thailand. This exhibition explores the photographs of King Chulalongkorn who traveled extensively both abroad and within Siam.
Sightseeing by Rattawut Lapcharoensap, book
A collection of seven, Thailand-set short stories by an award-winning Thai-American author on themes of “family bonds, youthful romance, generational conflicts, and cultural shiftings”
A History of Thailand by Chris Baker & Pasuk Phongpaichit, book
A general overview of Thailand's political, economic, social and cultural history.
Through Siam with a Camera - John Thomson, talk
In this RGS talk, Deborah Ireland looks at the photography of John Thomson who, in 1865 travelled to Siam and photographed the King and his subjects, creating a unique record of the country
Thai Cave Rescue, mini series
A Netflix mini series based on true events that made global headlines. The series chronicles the rescue of the 12 boys and their soccer coach, who were trapped for two weeks in flooded caves in Thailand during the summer of 2018.
WORLD CRUISE READING LIST
INDIAN OCEAN
Indian Ocean with Simon Reeve, documentary series Simon Reeve explores remote, dangerous and beautiful locations in the Indian Ocean.
The Ocean of Churn: How the Indian Ocean Shaped Human History by Sanjeev Sanyal, book Sanjeev Sanyal tells the history of this significant region, which stretches across East Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent to South East Asia and Australia.
Conquerors: How Portugal Seized the Indian Ocean and Forged the First Global Empire by Roger Crowley, book
Crowley brings to life the exploits of an extraordinary band of conquerors - men such as Afonso de Albuquerque, the first European since Alexander the Great to found an Asian empire - who set in motion five hundred years of European colonisation and unleashed the forces of globalisation.
A naturalist in Indian seas; or, Four years with the Royal Indian marine survey ship "Investigator” by Alfred Alcock. book This classic of natural history travel describes the Investigator's voyage through the Indian Ocean, in particular, the Laccadive Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. It also details the history of the Investigator, as well as the marine biology of the Indian Ocean.
SRI LANKA
A Year in Green Tea and Tuk-Tuks: My Unlikely Adventure in Creating an Organic Farm in Sri Lanka by Rory Spowers, book
BBC journalist and environmentalist Rory Spowers and his family abandon their life in London for a more ecologically sustainable lifestyle. Moving to a 60-acre abandoned tea estate in Sri Lanka, Rory sets out to create a model organic farm there and earn his livelihood from the land.
Mahaweli Challenge: Sri Lanka's Longest River on Foot and by Kayak, talk RGS microlecture. Having never kayaked before, Ian Packham set off to hike and paddle Sri Lanka’s longest river from source to sea. The journey challenged his ideas of river travel and demonstrated the difficulties of water security for developing nations.
Zheng He and the Chinese Treasure Fleets, podcast Episode of the Mariner’s Mirror podcast. Zheng He was a Chinese navigator who led a series of expeditions from China around the Indian Ocean, including to Sri Lanka, in the early fifteenth century. His voyage mirrors in many way this portion of the itinerary.
Elephant Complex: Travels in Sri Lanka by John Gimlette, book Journeying through Sri Lanka’s many regions, awardwinning travel writer John Gimlette interviews expresidents and cricketers, tea planters and terrorists, negotiating the complex relationships of Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim communities and the more sinister forms of tourism.
The Call of the Cloud Forest, article Winner of the Perpetual Planet Rolex Award for Enterprise, Sri Lankan conservationist Rohan Pethiyagoda has devoted more than two decades to a campaign to engage his fellow citizens in the regeneration of his island nation’s unique highland ecosystem, once defined by rich tropical forests shrouded by mist.
A History of Sri Lanka by Hugh Newmont, book From its prehistoric origins to the political and economic crises of the 21st century, this book charts the complete history of Sri Lanka.
‘Two bullocks drawing two-wheeled cart with rich canopy’, Sri Lanka. Artist unknown, 1845.
WORLD CRUISE READING LIST
INDIA
The Road to Independence by Oli Hunter Smart, documentary
Olie Hunter Smart takes on an immense challenge to walk the length of India, a 4,500km journey over seven months seeking out untold stories of Independence and Partition.
Walking India: the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea, talk
In this RGS microlecture Oli Broadhead shares his experiences of a two-month crossing of Southern India: heat stroke, leopards, mountains, mosquitos, sleeping rough, and why it was all completely brilliant.
Kochi: The Melting Pot of Cultures: Queen of the Arabian Sea by Suma George, book
This book explores Kochi not just as a geographical location but as a living, breathing entity where cultures merge and create something profoundly unique.
India with Sanjeev Bhaskar, documentary series
In this BBC series, Sanjeev Bhaskar travels across India, using humour and insight to get under the skin of the fascinating country.
India: A History by John Keay, book
The history of India – from ancient time to the modern day. Five millennia of the sub-continent’s social, economic, political and cultural history are interpreted by one of our finest writers on India and the Far East.
The Indian Trilogy by V.S. Naipul, books
Naipul’s acclaimed Indian trilogy. The first book is a semi-autobiographical account of his life and country. The second sheds light on his thoughts of India prompted by the Emergency of 1975. The third focuses on India's development since his first visit 26 years ago.
India in Triangles:The Incredible Story of How India was Mapped and the Himalayas Measured by Shruthi Rao & Meera Iyer, book
The story of the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India, an ambitious mission to map India using triangulation.
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SEYCHELLES
First Descent: Seychelles, documentary In 2019, Nekton, the Government of Seychelles and 40 international partners undertook the first deep sea research mission to explore and protect Seychelles.
Where the Clocks Chime Twice by Alec Waugh, books
First published in 1951, this is part sentimental journey revisiting old well-loved scenes of former travels, and part search for new, out-of-the-way lands. The chief object of these travels was to visit the Seychelles Islands. This remote British colony, lost in the immensity of the Indian Ocean, is a world forgotten by the world, a world in itself. Alec Waugh's description of these tropical islands, their people and their history, ranks among the best of travel writing.
Seychelles Since 1770: The History of a Slave and PostSlavery Society by Deryck Scarr, book
A comprehensive history of the Seychelles, this volume traces its periods of colonization by France and Britain, the immobile years of the 20th century, the granting of independence in 1976, and the social changes precipitated by tourism in the late-1990s.
Seychelles Islands Foundation: Aldabra, website
The Seychelles Island Foundation website is a useful resource on the Aldabra Atoll with information on its history, wildlife and ongoing conservation efforts.
MAURITIUS & RÉUNION
The Dodo Bird: the Real Facts About this Icon of Extinction, blog
Blog post from the Natural History Museum on Mauritius’ most famous one-time resident.
The Friday Take Five: Ep.48: Port Louis, Mauritius, podcast
A five minute podcast on the small island country of Mauritius and its capital, Port Louis.
The Oxford Dodo, podcast
A BBC podcast. Liz Green unravels the story behind the dodo, and how did it come to be in a museum in Oxford?
Small Island, Large Ocean: Mauritius and the Indian Ocean World by Burkhard Schnepel, book It casts light on the life of an island through what is known not only about the island itself, but also through what is known about the wider Indian Ocean world.
Rebuilding the Natural Treasures of Mauritius with Carl Jones, podcasts
Ben Goldsmith speaks with legendary conservationist Carl Jones about the island of Mauritius. Carl famously led efforts to save a variety of species, including the Mauritius kestrel.
Star and Key: The Historical Adventure of Mauritius by Olivier Hein, book
Olivier Hein’s sweeping history uncovers Mauritius’s fascinating yet little-known past, exploring the age of pirates; the horrors of indentured labour; the 1810 Franco-British war; the transformations in economy, landscape and climate during the twenty-first century.
Réunion: An Island in Search of an Identity by Laurent Médéa, book
The 750,000 inhabitants of Réunion Island - located east of Madagascar - make up a plural and complex society. This book is a study of Reunion Island's social identity
Réunion Island: Indian Ocean Paradise, podcast Three podcasts discuss the island of Réunion and asks what makes it such a special and unique place. It also looks at its fascinating cuisine and the must-do activities on the island.
‘Port Louis, Mauritius’. Watercolour by John Linton Palmer, 1865
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AFRICA
Africa, documentary series
BBC natural history documentary showcasing the varied wildlife of the African continent.
In Our Time: Africa, podcast
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the roots of Africa's current political and social crises.
In Our Time: The Berlin Conference, podcast
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Berlin Conference of 1884. The conference was part of the process known as the Scramble for Africa, and the decisions reached at it had effects which have lasted to the present day. The conference is commonly seen as one of the most significant events of the so-called Scramble for Africa; in the following decades, European nations laid claim to most of the continent.
16th century map of Africa from Gerard Mercator's, 'Atlas sive Cosmographicae meditationes de fabrica mundi et fabricati figura' dating between 1595-1602
An African History of Africa by Zenaib Badawi, book
In this fascinating book, Badawi guides us through Africa's spectacular history - from the origins of humanity, through ancient civilisations and medieval empires, to the miseries of conquest and the elation of independence.
African History: A Very Short Introduction by John Parker and Richard Rathbone, book
Essential reading for anyone interested in the African continent and the diversity of human history.
The lost voices in the archive, exhibition
In this RGS online exhibition, Dr Kate Simpson brings to light the vital role African people played in British expeditions to Africa in the nineteenth and early twentieth century.
SOUTH AFRICA
Writing a New South Africa, podcast
In this podcast series, poet Thabiso Mohare presents a picture of South Africa now, as seen by a new generation of writers and poets.
The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan, book
A beautiful novel, with its richly descriptive language transporting you to both modern day and early twentieth-century Durban.
Long Walk to Freedom: the Autobiography of Nelson Mandela, book
The riveting memoirs of the outstanding moral and political leader of our time.
Somewhere over the Rainbow - Travels in South Africa by Gavin Bell, book
A fine travel book and a compelling portrait of a country in search of an identity.
History of South Africa, podcast
A series that seeks to tell the story of the South Africa in some depth. Presented by broadcaster/podcaster Des Latham, the episodes will take a listener through the various epochs that have made up the story of South Africa.
Durban’s Epic 100-Year Journey: From Swamps to Skyline (1850s–1970s), documentary YouTube video showing fascinating vintage footage tracing Durban’s development from colonial outpost to modern metropolis.
A Short History of South Africa by Gail Nattrass, book
A brief, general account of the history of this most complicated and fascinating country.
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SOUTH AFRICA
Not Just the Tudors: The Founding of Cape Town, podcast
In this edition of Not Just the Tudors, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb explores the story of a shipwreck that led to the creation of a city and a nation.
The Last Train to Zona Verde by Paul Theroux, book Journeying alone, in what he feels will be his last African journey, Paul Theroux encounters a world increasingly removed from both the itineraries of tourists and the hopes of post-colonial independence movements.
Fighting wildlife crime with the world's first female anti-poaching unit, talk
In this RGS microlecture, Alice Bromage travels to South Africa to work with the ‘Black Mambas’ on tactics, self-confidence, and the fear of lions.
‘The
NAMIBIA
How poachers became caretakers, talk
In this TED talk, a member of the Namibian Himba community, John Kasaone, explains how a respect for traditional values in combination with new ideas such as GPS, alongside international cooperation, has created a successful system of wildlife protection which also enhances the lives of Namibians.
The Skeleton Coast of Namibia, podcast
A Mariner’s Mirror podcast discussing the maritime history and culture of the Skeleton Coast of Namibia, one of the most iconic maritime locations on earth.
A History of Namibia by Marion Wallace, book
In 1990 Namibia gained its independence after a decades-long struggle against South African rule--and, before that, against German colonialism. This book, the first new scholarly general history of Namibia in two decades, provides a fresh synthesis of these events, and of the much longer pre-colonial period.
beach at Walwick Bay’, Namibia. Watercolour by Thomas Baines, 1861.
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NAMIBIA continued
A Human Geography Atlas of Walvis Bay: Beyond the Reintegration by Hungiree Wilson Billawer & Muriel Samé Ekobo, book
Provides a representation of the second-largest urban centre in Namibia, contributing to a better understanding of the coastal town of Walvis Bay in particular. The wide range of issues discussed include geography, environment, sociology, urban development, engineering and economics.
ANGOLA
Kayaking the Kwanza: Source to Sea Along Angola’s Longest River, talk RGS microlecture by Oscar Scafidi. In a 40 year old foldable wooden kayak, Oscar two-man team completed the first ever source-to-mouth journey along the Kwanza River, in spite of being chased by hippos and sinking in rapids.
Plant Collectors in Angola: Botany, Exploration, and History in South-Tropical Africa by Estrela Figueiredo and Gideon F. Smith, book
In this book, Estrela Figueiredo and Gideon F. Smith, both botanists with expertise in the taxonomy of African plants, provide the first comprehensive account of plant collecting in Angola. An essential book for anyone concerned with the biodiversity and history of Africa.
Steve Boyes Traces Life to its Source in the Angolan Highlands, article
Covering some 469 miles (754 kilometers) in 39 days, Dr Steve Boyes and his team explored one of the remotest, least accessible parts of Angola, a place of magic and mysticism, little-known minefields and villages, and undocumented populations of wildlife.
Another Day of Life by Ryszard Kapuscinski, book Kapuscincki, a foreign correspondent for a Polish news agency, was sent to Angola to cover the civil war. This is his account of historical significance of the months preceding Angola’s independence.
THE GAMBIA
Witness History: the Gambia’s “Queen of Recycling”, podcast
In 1997, Isatou Ceesay, who lives in The Gambia had an idea to make bags and purses out of old discarded plastic. Her idea to help the environment started with a group of five women and has grown to become a national project that supports women in the country to improve their skills and income.
The World and a Very Small Place in Africa: A History of Globalization in Niumi, The Gambia by Donald R. Wright, book
Drawing on written and oral testimony, Donald Wright locates a tiny place in Africa's smallest country within the history of the modern world. We see how global events have affected people's lives over the past eight centuries in Niumi, a little-known territory located on the north bank of the Gambia River in West Africa.
‘Swamp animals in the River Gambia’, The Gambia,. By H.H. Johnston, 1882.
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CANARY ISLANDS
Tweet of the Day: Atlantic (Island) Canary, podcast Tweet of the Day is a podcast about the voice of birds and our relationship with them, from around the world. In this podcast, Chris Packham presents the Atlantic canary singing in the Tenerife treetops.
The History of the Discovery and Conquest of the Canary Islands: Translated from a Spanish manuscript, lately found in the Island of Palma by George Glas, book
An historical account of the Canary Islands, translated by George Glas from the manuscript of an Andalusian monk named Juan de Abréu Galindo.
The Canary Islands: First Stop of Imperialism by Matthew Wills, article
Before the New World, Europeans arrived in the Canary Islands and set the model for the enslavements, genocides, and radical ecological transformations to come.
The English In Canary Isles: Being A Journal In Tenerife And Gran Canaria, With Latest Information by S. Frances Latimer, book
A travel journal written by S. Frances Latimer in 1888. The book provides a detailed account of the author's experiences during her visit to the Canary Islands, specifically the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
PORTUGAL
Portuguese Exploration After the Age of Discovery, podcast
Catarina Madruga, a post-doctoral researcher at the Natural History Museum of Berlin, talks about Portuguese exploration in the nineteenth century as European powers made plans to conquer Africa and colonize its peoples.
Madeira: Balancing Beauty and Boom, documentary In this episode of The Travel Show, Rajan Datar explores the Portuguese island of Madeira, taking in the stunning landscapes and meeting the people who call this place home.
Journey to Portugal: In Pursuit of Portugal's History and Culture by José Saramago, book
The Nobel Prize–winning author explores his homeland in this hybrid work of cultural history, literary nonfiction, and travelogue.
The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel, book
A novel, shortlisted for the 2016 Edward Standford Travel Writing Award. In Lisbon in 1904, a young man named Tomás discovers an old journal. It hints at the existence of an extraordinary artefact that--if he can find it--would redefine history. Traveling in one of Europe's earliest automobiles, he sets out in search of this strange treasure.
Queen of the Sea: A History of Lisbon by Barry Hatton, book
This book reveals the rich, international heritage of Portugal's metropolis--the gateway to the Atlantic and the unrivalled Queen of the Sea.
Wrath of God: The Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 by Edward Paice, book
On 1 November 1755 Lisbon was struck by a seismic disturbance estimated at 8.7 on the Richter scalemore powerful than the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Drawing on primary sources, Paice paints a vivid picture of a city and society changed for ever by a day of terror.
Somebody Feed Phil: Lisbon, documentary series Netflix, series 1, episode 4. Phil savors Lisbon's famed pasteis de nata tarts, tours the city in a motorcycle sidecar and dines at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Lisbon From: ‘Urbium praecipuarum totius mundi: liber tertius By Georgius Braun Agrippinus and Franciscus Hogenbergius’, c.1572
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FURTHER TRAVELS
The Future of Exploration, podcast
For guests having completed their world cruise, this podcast Explore: How To Plan An Expedition, focuses on the future of exploration. A panel discuss what it means to be an explorer in the 21st century and talk about the myriad of global challenges facing exploration today, as well as the responsibilities and tasks facing travellers, adventurers and field scientists, and where they overlap or differ.
Stories from our Collections, resource
Learn more about objects in the Royal Geographical Society’s Collections and the geographical themes and histories which underpin them through these online exhibitions and short stories.
Talks on Demand, talks
If you can’t attend events at the Royal Geographical Society, use our free catch-up service to access hundreds of presentations on a variety of topics, from ocean ice to volcanic ash, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.
Geography Directions, blog
Keep an eye on geography in the news through the Royal Geographical Society’s current affairs blog.
The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) is a landmark partnership with Silversea that provides guests with informative and engaging enrichment resources, based on unrivaled access to its two million strong collection of maps, charts, atlases, archives, images, artifacts, and other items that date back to 1482 and chart earlier journeys and explorations. Founded in 1830, the Royal Geographical Society is a respected professional body for geography and geographers and is one of the largest and most innovative geographical societies in the world with one of the largest international geographical holdings to document the history of exploration and geographical understanding of our world, its people and places, past and present.
Please note: views and opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the RGS-IBG Subscriptions may be required to access content Suggested content may be available in other formats Links and information correct on 15 September 2025.
A new and correct map of the world laid down according to the newest and most accurate observations and discoveries made by the Royal Society's of London and Paris', 1790
