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From Publishers Weekly
Journalist Bergreen, who has penned biographies of James Agee, Louis Armstrong, Irving Berlin and Al Capone, superbly recreates Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan's obsessive 16th-century quest, an ill-fated journey that altered Europe's perception of the planet: "It was a dream as old as the imagination: a voyage to the ends of the earth.... Mariners feared they could literally sail over the edge of the world." In 2001, Bergreen traveled the South American strait that bears Magellan's name, and he adds to that firsthand knowledge satellite images of Magellan's route plus international archival research. His day-by-day account incorporates the testimony of sailors, Francisco Albo's pilot's log and the eyewitness accounts of Venetian scholar Antonio Pigafetta, who was on the journey. Magellan's mission for Spain was to find a water route to the fabled Spice Islands, and in 1519, the Armada de Molucca (five ships and some 260 sailors) sailed into the pages of history. Many misfortunes befell the expedition, including the brutal killing of Magellan in the Philippines. Three years later, one weather-beaten ship, "a vessel of desolation and anguish," returned to Spain with a skeleton crew of 18, yet "what a story those few survivors had to tell-a tale of mutiny, of orgies on distant shores, and of the exploration of the entire globe," providing proof that the world was round. Illuminating the Age of Discovery, Bergreen writes this powerful tale of adventure with a strong presence and rich detail. Maps, 16-page color photo insert.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Booklist
Ferdinand Magellan's ship was the first to circumnavigate the globe. While the accomplishment is recognized as a historic milestone, less known are the details of that voyage around the world. Magellan spent years trying to win the favor of the king of Portugal, and failing that he swore loyalty to the Spanish crown. After finally receiving Spain's backing for a trip to the Spice Islands, the king imposed numerous stipulations that would affect Magellan's crew and his authority over them. Once his fleet finally embarked, he had to contend with violent storms, mutinous crewmembers, and hostile natives. Bergreen tells a well-rounded story of Magellan, not just that of the romanticized hero but also that of the explorer's darker side. He also puts the voyage into its historical context, going into detail about what was known of the world at the time (and what was still uncharted), the rivalry between Portugal and Spain, and the church's attempt to divide up the New World between them. Fascinating reading for history buffs, and a great story that rivals any seagoing adventure. Gavin Quinn
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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First Sentence
On September 6, 1522, a battered ship appeared on the horizon near the port of Sanlucar de Barrameda, Spain. Read the first page
Front Cover | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
On September 6, 1522, a battered ship appeared on the horizon near the port of Sanlucar de Barrameda, Spain. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best on Magellan I've ever read!,
By
This review is from: Over The Edge Of The World: Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe (Paperback)
I thoroughly enjoy the age of exploration and especially Magellan. Bergreen's account of this first circumnavigation is first rate, a historical page turner to be sure. If you even remotely like exploration, this book is for you!Marc
4.0 out of 5 stars
Audio Book Version Is Well Done,
By
This review is from: Over The Edge Of The World Cd: Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigat (Audio CD)
The Audio Book version of this book is an abridgement but it is still very well done.I found this a very interesting account of Magellan's voyage of circumnavigation. The author writes well and provides a clear history and analysis of Magellan's voyage, its historical context and the political and financial motivations of its sponsors. I have a 40 minute highway commute to and from work and I typically pass the time listening to audio books. I enjoyed this one and found it very interesting. I'd have no problem recommending this one to others.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Average account.,
By Regnal "caretaker" (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Over the Edge of the World: Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe (Hardcover)
This book is not as good as Tim Joyner's "Magellan". The latter contains detailed maps (that Bergreen's book lacks of) and more pictures. In addition, there is a whole section in "Magellan", devoted to history of early seafarers dated from 4000 BC and great description of historical events that led to Magellan's dramatic voyage (especially Portuguese fighting on Arabian Sea and in Malaysia).
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