A Brief History of the Circumnavigators (Brief Histories)

A Brief History of the Circumnavigators (Brief Histories)

by Derek Wilson (Author), Derek Wilson (Author)

Synopsis

"Going round the world" is an idea that has excited people ever since it was realized that the earth was a sphere. The appeal has something to do with encompassing all the known environment and exploring the unknown, not only on the surface of the planet but within the spirit of the explorer. The story of circumnavigation is thus a long saga of human adventure, travel and discovery. Beginning with the fateful day in 1521 when Ferdinand Magellan was speared to death on Mactan and Juan de Elcano took up the challenge of bringing his surviving companions home, the story continues through four centuries crammed with astonishing exploits by men and women of many nations. Some of the names that feature are well-known, others less so.

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 357
Edition: Revised
Publisher: Robinson
Published: 01 May 2003

ISBN 10: 1841197092
ISBN 13: 9781841197098
Book Overview: Exploring the unknown, the planet and the spirit of the famous - and not so famous - explorers

Media Reviews
- 'The Circumnavigators makes a very readable introduction to what is still an adventure story.' J. S. Cummins, Times Literary Supplement - 'This is a very readable book which gives a good idea of the dangers and uncertainties faced by all the voyagers.' Geographical Journal - 'Armchair explorers will enjoy navigating the pages of Derek Wilson's excellent tale of man's attempts at circumnavigating the globe... The book is certainly crammed full of historical information but Wilson manages to bring his historical characters alive.' Outram Magazine
Author Bio
DEREK WILSON is a renowned Tudor historian. A graduate of Peterhouse, Cambridge, he has written over 50 critically acclaimed books including A Brief History of the Circumnavigators, and The Uncrowned Kings of England, as well as recent biographies of Charlemagne and Holbein. He is a writer and presenter for radio and television and is also the founder of the Cambridge History festival. He lives in North Devon. Visit his website: www.derekwilson.com