First published 1736
Ferdinand Magellan embarks on an unprecedented journey to circumnavigate the Earth in the sixteenth century. The Portuguese explorer leads his fleet into uncharted waters, facing mutinous crews, hostile encounters, and deadly storms across three years of perilous navigation. Laurence Bergreen weaves together firsthand accounts from sailors and officers who witnessed the expedition's brutal realities. The narrative captures the raw violence, sexual tensions, and extraordinary adventures that marked this historic voyage. Bergreen draws from candid testimonies to reconstruct the daily struggles of men pushed beyond their limits in pursuit of a route to the Spice Islands. The book reveals how this treacherous expedition transformed ocean navigation and reshaped global understanding of Earth's geography. Through vivid storytelling, Bergreen brings readers aboard Magellan's ships to experience the terror and wonder of sailing into the unknown.
Genres: biography, history, historical-fiction, adventure
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: adventure, historical-figures, perilous-journey
Setting: Earth, Spice Islands
Period: 16th century
Hardcover · HarperCollins
Content warnings: violence