It is easiest to write about heroes who have accomplished an unprecedented feat. But what to do when one person performed thousands of outstanding deeds, amazing discoveries, scientific and human feats every day throughout his almost 90-year life? Just to list his deeds would require a whole volume. This man is Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859), the great German encyclopedist, physicist, meteorologist, geographer, botanist, zoologist and traveler. From birth, Humboldt was destined for an extraordinary fate. His godfather was the future king of Prussia, Frederick William II. As a child, Humboldt received an excellent education at home. Then he studied at Frankfurt-on-Oder, Berlin and Göttingen universities, Freiberg Mining Academy, studying history, economics, botany, anatomy, medicine, physics, mathematics, astronomy, geology, literature, archeology and trade... In 1792-1794, As chief bergmeister, Humboldt was already involved in the mining industry in practice and traveled extensively throughout Germany. At the same time, he successfully carries out important diplomatic assignments for his godfather, the Prussian king. After retiring, in 1796-1799. lives in Jena, Salzburg and Paris, preparing for future travels. Finally, on June 5, 1799, his first large expedition begins - to the Spanish possessions in America. Together with Aimé Bonpland, Humboldt crossed and studied the South American continent for five years. The expedition brought innumerable scientific results. A full description of this journey took 30 volumes and took 26 years to appear! In 1829, Alexander von Humboldt made his second great journey - across Russia. The result was the three-volume work “Central Asia” (1843). By the end of his life, Humboldt was at the height of his fame - where it was cold and lonely. The three monarchs were honored to be his friends and patrons. He was friends with prominent contemporaries, but by 1859 none of them were any longer alive. Humboldt devoted the rest of his life to the publication of “Cosmos” - a collection of all natural scientific knowledge about the world around us, accumulated by humanity - including Humboldt himself - by the middle of the 19th century. In 1845-1857. The first 4 volumes were published, the 5th remained unfinished... He has not been with us for a century and a half. But to whom the words “Sic transit Gloria mundi” do not apply! - this is how human glory passes. His glory has not faded. And, apparently, it will not fade, because this is the Eternal Flame. This publication includes “Journey to the Orinoco,” which describes the most important stage of the four-year (1799-1804) South American expedition of A. Von Humboldt and Aimé Bonpland. The book is preceded by one of the best biographies of the author - a biographical essay by M. A. Engelhardt about the life, travels and scientific activities of Humboldt, published in the famous series “The Lives of Remarkable People.”