John Cabot - Commander (Hardback or Cased Book)

John Cabot - builder of canals and bridges, devoted husband, and father of three - dreams of wealth and status for his family. But his aspirations leave him overextended, pursued by merciless creditors, and forced to flee Venice with his family.

Attempts to restore his family's fortunes in Milan and Valencia end in repeated disappointment. But in Seville, John finds work as a maritime engineer for the king of Spain. Inspired by the daring exploits of Cristóbal Colón, he sets his sights on uncharted seas. Opportunistically evading his obligations, John's odyssey carries him from Seville to Lisbon and finally to London, where he finds support for his bold new vision.

Endorsed by King Henry VII, John has a chance to discover a sea route to Asia, claim new lands for England, and achieve fame and fortune. His younger sons, Sebastian and Sancius, are eager to join him on his adventures. But as John's hunger to succeed grows, so do the dangers he faces - and his willingness to risk everything in an encounter with the ruthless Alonso de Ojeda. Can the Cabot family survive the ambition and intrigue of the Age of Exploration?

A vivid reimaging of a transformative era, John Cabot - Commander is an epic, swashbuckling tale of discovery, triumph, betrayal, and heartbreak.

Victor Phillips holds a master's degree in business administration from Queen's University and built a career in international finance and commodity trading, which sparked his interest in geopolitical developments and world-changing events. Travelling widely, exploring history and culture along the way, he felt a need for greater connection with early North American history. Victor also enjoys golf and spiritual exploration. His other books include Compelled by Desire (Austin Macauley Publishers, 2018), written under the pseudonym James Clare, and Spinners of Destiny (FriesenPress, 2026). He lives in Medicine Hat, Alberta.