Explorations: My Quest for Adventure and Discovery Under the Sea [Hardcover]

Robert D. Ballard (Author), Malcolm McConnell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1995

An expert in marine geology and underwater adventurer recounts his greatest discoveries, including the canyons and plateaus of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the wreck of the Bismarck, the lost ships of Guadalcanal, and the remains of the Titanic. 50,000 first printing. Tour.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Ballard's discovery of the remains of the Titanic in 1985 finally brought him worldwide fame, yet he had pioneered in deep-ocean exploration for nearly two decades. A marine geologist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts, he has participated in numerous expeditions using deep-diving submersibles. Here he and McConnell (Challenger: A Major Malfunction) give a gripping account of his undersea adventures. He has worked with French expeditions mapping the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the Galapagos Rift; at the latter site, he discovered molten lava on the sea floor and an unexpected oasis of life?giant clams and tube worms. Ballard examined the sunken ships of WWII's battle of Guadalcanal; he found the lost submarine Thresher and the wreck of the Bismarck. Deep-sea explorers and astronauts share extreme hazards and dependence on high-tech equipment; for the excitement of discovery, Ballard and his fellow scientists have the edge. Photos not seen by PW. Author tour.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

This fast-paced autobiographical work reveals Ballard's strong self-confidence as he describes his discoveries of the wrecked Titanic (which made him famous), the sunken submarine Thresher, and the German battleship Bismarck; his exploration of the undersea Mid-Atlantic Ridge; and discovery of deep-sea hot springs with previously unknown flora and fauna that form a hydrogen sulfide-based food chain. Currently the director of the Center for Marine Exploration at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Ballard will leave in 1997 to establish the Institute for Exploration at Mystic Aquarium, where he will focus on marine education. This lively account of his scientific voyages, the politics and salesmanship needed to maneuver through academe and obtain funding from government sources, and the workings of large-scale international oceanographic projects will interest readers in public and academic libraries.?Judith B. Barnett, Pell Marine Science Lib., Univ. of Rhode Island, Kingston
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 407 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion Books; 1st edition (April 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786860421
• ISBN-13: 978-0786860425
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.4 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,373,544 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting, first hand look at modern day explorations., October 4, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Explorations: My Quest for Adventure and Discovery Under the Sea (Paperback)

Mr Ballard is probably best known for his work in locating the wreck of the Titanic and all the press that event was given. He well deserves the rave reviews for his work but he also proves to be a very readable, clear, intelligent writer. The tales of finding underwater thermal springs and the unique life forms that live in them is fascinating. I was extremely sorry to finish this book and will keep an eye open for any new book he may publish. He is on my "must read" list of authors.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like you're there!, July 13, 2001

By 

Benjamin F. Schumin "Ben Schumin" (Silver Spring, Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Explorations: My Quest for Adventure and Discovery Under the Sea (Paperback)

This book, which documents Robert Ballard's professional life up to the time of publication, is truly a work of wonder. It is written to where it makes you feel like you're there with them, giving firsthand accounts of Ballard's bathyscaphe incidents, the politics of academia, the discovery of Titanic, the loss and recovery of Hugo and Jason, and the discovery of the Bismarck. An incredible publication, indeed.