Creatures from another time, high volcanic mountains 5 million years old, indigenous tribes surviving from pre-Inca times, vibrant jungles and rainforests, exotic fauna and flora: Ecuador has it all.

It was in the Ecuadorian Galaagos Islands that Charles Darwin discovered such a variety of extraordinary animals and birds that he was inspired to write On the Origin of Species. In Ecuador's jungles roam jaguar and tapir; in its rivers and lakes lurk cayman and anaconda. Tthe dense rainforests are full of spectacular creatures not found anywhere else in the world, as well as being home to indiginous peoples whose populations tragically are in decline as the forests are destroyed around them.

Neville Shuman explores the rainforest, jungle and Galapagos Archipelago, meets Ecuador's indigenous tribes and attempts to climb its highet mountains including Chimborazo, the 'tallest' in the world. Interwoven with stories of Ecuador's culture and history are thrilling accounts of his battles to reach the icy mountain summits.

Published in the UK by Summersdale Publishers Ltd £7.99

(ISBN 1-84024-450-x).

This book describes the exciting journeys of Neville Shulman in travelling through the Arctic and the Antarctic to both the North and South Poles. He also recounts the stories of the greatest Polar explorers of past centuries and their battles to be the first to reach the North Pole and just a few years later the South Pole. These were the most dangerous times, before modern technology made it easier to maintain contact with brave and intrepid explorers and of course to mount rescue missions if they were thought to be 'iced in' or lost. Shulman additionally provides interesting and very detailed information about both polar regions, as well as very fascinating chapters on polar bears, muskoxen, penguins and other delightful fauna as well as the Arctic Inuit and the Amundsen-Scott Antarctic Base station.

Andy Goldsworthy the international naturalist artist initially conceives a project he calls 'Touching North' and decides to sculpt ice sculptures in the Arctic and finally at the North Pole. Neville Shulman is one of only four Tate Gallery expedition members chosen to follow in his tracks, to witness his ice sculptures at Grise Fiord and finally at the North Pole itself. There are many dangers and difficulties to overcome before they are to stand together at the North Pole and Shulman is able to view the four majestic, circular Voids which Goldsworthy heroically has struggled to create.

It is another ten years before Neville Shulman finally travels through Chile and sets out from Punta Arenas across to Patriot Hills in Antarctica, so as to achieve his dream of also reaching the South Pole. At times it is literally touch and go. Another important aim is to raise substantial funds for a number of charities.

Throughout the book Shulman uses his humour and Zen philosophy to reveal more about these remote polar regions and their fascinating creatures. The book also recounts the exploits and expeditions of recent polar adventurers and explorers.

There are sixteen pages of stunning colour photographs, illustrating the very varied and hostile terrain through which Neville Shulman has to travel in order to achieve his goals and the polar animals he is lucky enough to encounter there.

Published in the U.S. by The Lyons Press $14.95

(ISBN 1-59228-146-X).

Published in the UK by Summersdale Travel Publications £ 7.99

(ISBN 1-84024-142-x).

In the interior of the inaccessible, mysterious Indonesian territory of Irian Jaya, in western New Guinea, live the extraordinary and primitive Stone Age Dani people, whose lives have remained unchanged over thousands of years. Also there are the extreme rock mountain Carstensz Pyramid and the treacherous, glacial mountain Ngga Pulu, the highest summits of Australasia. Neville Shulman's adventure story, Zen Explorations In Remotest New Guinea, exuberantly reveals secrets of the unique Dani way of life and describes the hardships and obstacles he meets before he can attempt to climb these great mountains (both higher than Mont Blanc). This is an exciting, informative and humorous book, full of intriguing insights and the Zen philosophy he carries with him to experience and overcome the many dangers he encounters in this hostile but fascinating land.

"Nothing beats a real-life adventure" Ridley Scott

"A glorious opportunity to explore this strange and remote land." Heinrich Harrer

Published in the US by Tuttle Publishing $14.95 (ISBN 0-8018-3187-4) Published in the UK (Hardback) by Summersdale £12.99

(ISBN 1-84024-005-9).

This novel is the story of a journey, confrontation with death, the challenge of survival, and is full of mysterious and magical happenings that occur as the journey continues. It tells of a man and a girl who individually and together symbolize the emotional forces and powers within our lives. In Exit Of A Dragonfly you will find loneliness, fear, pain, determination and hope as the man's search unfolds and share with him his meeting with the one person who gives purpose to his life. It is a story in which to seek something of yourself. Often imprisoned by your own emotions we will share their search, their experiences and witness the metamorphosis of the two allegorical characters.

Published in the UK by Brechinest Publications £ 6.95

(ISBN 0-947681-40-x).