Discoverers and Explorers

by Edward R. Shaw

The perfect introduction to the incredible world of the great European Age of Exploration. This book details the lives and momentous events of many of the most famous European explorers as they opened up the world from 1500 AD onward. Read of Marco Polo's adventures in China, Columbus's history-changing trans-Atlantic voyage, Vasco da Gama's rounding of the southern tip of Africa, the explorations of the Cabot brothers in North America, Amerigo Vespucci's exploration of the American coast (and of how America was named after him), Balboa's discovery of the Pacific Ocean, Ferdinand Magellan's expedition to circumnavigate the globe, the astonishing adventures of the Conquistadors Cortes and Pizarro in South America, the quest for the fabled El Darado, Francis Drake's voyages and the tragic end of Henry Hudson, after whom Hudson Bay is named. Contents: Preface; Chapter 1: Beliefs as to the World Five Hundred Years Ago; Chapter 2: Marco Polo; Chapter 3: Columbus; Chapter 4: Vasco da Gama; Chapter 5: John and Sebastian Cabot's Voyages; Chapter 6: Amerigo Vespucci; Chapter 7: Ponce De Leon; Chapter 8: Balboa; Chapter 9: Magellan; Chapter 10: Hernando Cortes; Chapter 11: Francisco Pizarro; Chapter 12: Ferdinand De Soto; Chapter 13: The Great River Amazon, and El Dorado; Chapter 14: Verrazzano; Chapter 15: The Famous Voyage of Sir Francis Drake-1577; Chapter 16: Henry Hudson. Hand edited and completely reset. Contains all the original illustrations. About the author: Edward Richard Shaw (1855-1903) was a Professor and Dean, New York University.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

84 pages, Hardcover

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.