Why did people go on journeys? The first Russian travelers traveled for religious reasons, visiting holy places or driven by commerce. Gradually, geopolitical objectives began to be added to these interests: in the 16th-17th centuries, Russian explorers ventured far beyond the Ural Mountains, opening new lands in small groups, mapping them, and establishing Russian settlements and fortresses there. A century later, the government began to outfit expeditions that included scientists, naturalists, and geographers. This was followed by systematic scientific study and description of the animal and plant world, natural resources, unfamiliar peoples, cultures, and civilizations. The names of famous Russian travelers and pioneers such as Afanasy Nikitin, Fyodor Kotov, Semyon Dezhnev, Yerofey Khabarov, Vladimir Atlasov, Vitus Bering, Gavrila Sarichev, Ivan Krusenstern, Vasily Golovnin, Fyodor Bellingshausen, Mikhail Lazarev, Nikolai Miklukho-Maklay, and many others have been inscribed in golden letters in the world chronicle of great geographical discoveries. Through the efforts of these brave heroes, the Russian Empire expanded and gained strength. In the first half of the 19th century, more Russian exploratory expeditions were outfitted than by France and Great Britain combined. Each expedition was accompanied by unique discoveries of global significance. The book "Great Russian Travelers" will be of interest to everyone who is interested in the history of Russia, ethnography, geography, and the history of geographical discoveries. The modern edition is richly illustrated with rare illustrative materials; it includes notes and comments, as well as a detailed index of names, which will be interesting for both professionals and simply history enthusiasts. The classic series design will make this book a true decoration on your bookshelf. The "Russian Imperial Library" series is a grand collection of outstanding examples of domestic thought and literature. The editions included in
