A rare English language book on the fascinating Voyager Pytheas.

Unfortunately, the author devoted too much detail on tangential matters such as the geologic history of areas visited, the formation of tin and amber, etc.

Far more interesting was the analysis of later writers' recapitulation of Pytheas' lost writing, and his most likely journey to and from Britain. The chapter on Ultima Thule was especially interesting.

Although far from a great work, the book is still recommended for anyone interested in this explorer. ( )

Beautifully written, informative and interesting book that describes the voyage of Pytheas from Marseilles to Britain, Jutland, Iceland and around the Iberian peninsula. ( )

Pytheas' s writings have been lost; this is a kind of reconstruction using fragments quoted by other classical writers over the centuries, combined with Cunliffe's informed analysis of where he probably went and what he would have observed. ( )

I have to admit that this little 178 page book took me by surprise. If the photographs and maps were removed it would be shortened to 166 pages. Take out the "further reading" section and all the quoted text and you would be left with only 156 pages (approximately) which meander just as much as Pytheas's exploration. A good chunk of those remaining pages have large segments on periphery details like tin smelting and the electrostatic qualities of amber. Unfortunately for ancient history enthusiasts there is not anything to refer to for first hand accounts of the travels of Pytheas. Unlike Cook or Columbus, the writings of Pytheas did not survive to present day. All that is left are the numerous documents either quoting Pytheas or written about Pytheas. Such as this book. ( )

http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/bookreviews/a/PytheasCunliffe.htm ( )