January 09

Born in 1829 into the scholarly Schlagintweit family, Adolf embarked on exploratory missions at a young age. He, along with his brothers, conducted botanical and geological surveys in the Alps before venturing to India. Between 1854 and 1856, he traveled extensively in the Himalayas and Karakoram, collecting thousands of plant specimens. His detailed reports and illustrations introduced many new species to European science. Schlagintweit's research expanded knowledge of Asian flora and contributed to the mapping of remote regions. During an expedition in Kashgar, he was tragically executed in 1857 under unclear circumstances. Despite his untimely death, his collections continue to be studied by botanists worldwide. His work remains a testament to the spirit of 19th-century scientific exploration.

Born in 1900, Richard Halliburton became famous for his bestselling travel books, including ‘The Royal Road to Romance’ and ‘The Glorious Adventure.’ He embarked on record-breaking journeys such as swimming the length of the Panama Canal and crossing the Alps on an elephant. Halliburton’s vivid storytelling and photographs brought exotic locales to readers during the interwar years. In 1939, he disappeared at sea while attempting to sail the Pacific on his trimaran Sea Dragon. His life inspired generations of adventurers and travel enthusiasts.