Ferdinand Magellan: And the Quest to Circle the Globe (Explorers of New Lands)

Crompton, Samuel Willard

ISBN 10: 0791086089 ISBN 13: 9780791086087

Publisher: Chelsea House Publications, 2006

Synopsis

Magellan set out in 1519 with five ships to find a passage through the Americas. Such a passage, if it existed, would allow Spanish ships to follow a westward route to the East Indies. After months of fruitless searching, Magellan eventually found a narrow, dangerous sea passage at the bottom of South America--now called the Strait of Magellan. In 1522, a lone ship sailed into the harbor at Seville, making its crew the first men to sail completely around the world.

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-8-These introductions focus on the explorers' voyages and how those journeys influenced further European exploration. The authors describe the myriad dangers of life at sea, the uncertainties of navigating unfamiliar waters, encounters with friendly and hostile native peoples, and the demands of the kings and queens who financed the expeditions. The writing is objective, describing the subjects' bravery and determination as well as their often-condescending and occasionally cruel treatment of the men they commanded and the people they encountered. Although there are chapter notes, sourcing is limited, and the authors use some geographical and nautical terms without adequate definition. A short multiple-choice quiz appears at the end of each chapter. The illustrations are a mixture of period art and generic contemporary photos. The maps of the voyages are not detailed, making it difficult for readers to follow some of the text. Each title has the same introduction. While these books are adequate for reports, they are not as strong as Albert Marrin's outstanding The Sea King: Sir Francis Drake and His Times (S & S, 1995) or Joan Elizabeth Goodman's lavishly illustrated A Long and Uncertain Journey: The 27,000-Mile Voyage of Vasco da Gama (Mikaya, 2001). Additional choices for most collections.-Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO
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Edition details

• Publisher: Chelsea House Publications
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0791086089
• ISBN 13: 9780791086087
• Binding: Library Binding
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 144
• Editor: Goetzmann William H