Stories of great courage and adventure, of greed, ambition and, sometimes, of tragic blunders, reveal how we discovered the truth about our immense continent-country, how we charted its shores and became aware of its daunting nature. Original drawings and paintings record our first encounters with strange birds and animals and with curious places that are now familiar. Photographs and drawings show the explorers themselves and bring their experiences dramatically to life. Over 60 maps trace their routes and show where we follow in their footsteps as we move about the country today.