Discoverers and Explorers

by Edward R. Shaw

Four hundred years ago most of the people who lived in Europe thought that the earth was flat. They knew only the land that was near them. They knew the continent of Europe, a small part of Asia, and a strip along the northern shore of Africa. World 400 years ago The World as Known Four Hundred Years ago. They thought this known land was surrounded by a vast body of water that was like a broad river. Sailors were afraid to venture far upon this water, for they feared they would fall over the edge of the earth. Other seafaring men believed that if they should sail too far out upon this water their vessels would be lost in a fog, or that they would suddenly begin to slide downhill, and would never be able to return. Wind gods and storm gods, too, were supposed to dwell upon this mysterious sea. Men believed that these wind and storm gods would be very angry with any one who dared to enter their domain, and that in their wrath they would hurl the ships over the edge of the earth, or keep them wandering round and round in a circle, in the mist and fog. It is no wonder that the name "Sea of Darkness" was given to this great body of water, which we now know to be the Atlantic Ocean; nor is it surprising that the sailors feared to venture far out upon it.

Genres: History, Historical, Nonfiction

62 pages, Paperback

First published January 30, 2008

About the author

Edward Richard Shaw (1855-1903) was a Professor and Dean of the New York University.
He authored numerous children's schoolbooks.

Reviews

[Janelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Initially I enjoyed this book, but this changed when I reached about the 30% mark. From then on the explorers were routinely cruel and brutal. It might be history, but it doesn’t mean I have to enjoy it. The book also mainly focused on Western European explorers of the Americas. Obviously a short book for children on exploration can’t cover everything, but I did find this focus very narrow. And speaking of children, I wouldn’t give this to my kids to read.

[for-much-deliberation ... · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most intersting overview of past explorations and discoveries, gives some insight into the lives of the people who despite opposition still took risks venturing into areas not previously explored and discovering new lands beyond the horizon!
This book chronicles the explorations of Marco Polo, Colombus, Vasco da Gama, John and Sabastian Cabot, Vespucci, Ponce de Leon, Balboa, Magellan, Cortes, Pizarro, Drake, Hudson, etc, etc.

[Tiffany Petitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good overview of the most influential explorers in European history. It keeps their accomplishments and travels simple and to the point so that we get a good perspective on who did what, and how their actions influenced each-other. Sometimes these men can end up being grouped together, but this book does a good job clarifying which countries each one came from and contrasting their honorable and dishonorable behavior.

[Aaron · Rating 2 out of 5]

Flashback to middle school and high school history classes. It sounds quite dated, and most of the information is pretty basic, but it's a quick read and a good recap if you just want a refresher.

[Ion · Rating 2 out of 5]

Published at the very beginning of the 20th century, the book is similar to a textbook, in a very accessible language. It was probably intended for middle and high-school level children.