This is the story of how Thor Heyderdahl and five other men crossed the Pacific Ocean on a balsa-wood raft in an extraordinary bid to prove Heyderdahl's theory that the Polynesians undertook the same feat on such a craft over 1000 years ago.

'The Kon-Tiki Expedition' is the enduring story of how, in 1947, Thor Heyerdahl and five companions crossed the Pacific Ocean on a balsa-wood raft in an extraordinary bid to prove Heyerdahl's theory that the Polynesians undertook the same feat on similar craft over a thousand years ago.

Updated with a new Epilogue to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the voyage, this classic tale of survival against the most insurmountable odds, with its delightful descriptions of the myriad sea life the adventurers encountered and the seafaring trials they encountered – culminating in the wreck of the 'Kon-Tiki' in the South Seas – remains one of the most fascinating and exciting expeditionary accounts ever written.

"An incredible adventure story which happens to be true."
SOMERSET MAUGHAM

"An enthralling account of an experience without parallel."
OBSERVER

"I have never read a more tonic story of adventure."
RAYMOND MORTIMER, 'Sunday Times'

"One of the best adventure books ever written … a privilege to read."
HOWARD SPRING, 'Country Life'

"An enthralling book … the most absorbing sea tale of our time."
NEW YORKER

"What a book! It has spine-chilling, nerve-tingling, spirit-lifting adventure on every page."
CHICAGO TRIBUNE