In "Expanding Horizons," author William H. Beauchamp, focusing on twelve major examples of mankind's desire to expand its geographical horizons, tells the fascinating story of exploration, conquest, and the desire for technological advances to enhance life. He also details the urge of many adventurers to spread their vision of the good life (and the afterlife) beyond the horizon, and to extend those horizons from Middle Eastern river valleys to the entire globe.

Beauchamp shares the stories of some of the most influential conquerors, including Roman generals, Chinese emperors, Islamic...