A Brief History of the Circumnavigators (Brief Histories) - Softcover

"- '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

"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.